The Domino Effect

Dominoes are small rectangular blocks that can be stacked on end and then knocked over. Children often enjoy lining them up in long rows and then playing games with them. In addition to being fun to play with, dominoes have a more serious purpose: they help teach kids about the concept of chain reactions and the idea that one event can lead to much bigger consequences than another.

A domino is a flat, thumb-sized rectangular block that features a line down the center to visually separate the ends into two squares. Each end may be blank or bear from one to six dots, known as pips. 28 such pieces form a complete set of dominoes.

The name domino comes from a word that earlier denoted a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask at carnival season or at a masquerade. The word is also related to the Latin dominus, meaning “lord.”

Hevesh’s domino creations take months to plan and build. She tests each section individually, ensuring that it works correctly. In addition, she films her test runs so she can make precise corrections if something goes wrong. This process takes a great deal of time and energy, but it’s essential for a successful outcome.

In a similar way, writers should approach each scene in their novel like a domino. Each scene should build on the previous ones, creating a smooth flow that culminates in a dramatic climax at the end of the story. If a writer doesn’t get their scene dominoes in order, readers will notice the hiccups and find it difficult to follow the story.

A good example of a scene domino is when a character witnesses an accident or otherwise experiences some event that makes them change their behavior. When a scene domino falls, it can affect many other characters in the story. For example, a character witnessing an accident might decide to drive more carefully after seeing that it caused a car crash. This change in behavior can have a ripple effect on other characters, influencing them to make similar changes in their own lives.

In business, the domino effect can be a powerful tool for companies seeking to improve their bottom lines. When a company focuses on improving the experience of its customers, it can create an ongoing relationship that leads to greater revenue in the future. For example, Domino’s has shifted its focus from promoting new products to addressing customer complaints. This strategy has led to improved customer satisfaction and better financial performance for Domino’s. For a company that depends on repeat customers, this is an important step in the right direction.