The domino effect is a popular saying that describes how one thing can lead to another. It is a principle that can be applied in many ways, including to businesses and even stories. A domino is a rectangular or oval-shaped playing piece that is marked with a line or ridge of spots, called pips. Each side of the domino has a different pattern of spots. The pips are usually colored (black, white, or gray), but they can also be engraved or painted. The pips are placed in a specific order, and the game is played according to a set of rules.
Dominoes are used to play positional games, in which players in turn place a domino edge to edge against another, with each domino touching or adjacent to the last player’s pieces in a certain way. This allows players to build positions that form particular numbers or totals, such as a five-to-one line. A domino may also be used for decorative purposes, with the identity-bearing face covered or decorated in some fashion.
Traditionally, the most common materials for domino sets have been bone, silver lip ocean pearl oyster shell (mother of pearl), ivory, or a dark hardwood such as ebony, with contrasting black or white pips inlaid or painted on each end. More recently, some sets have been made from other materials, such as stone (e.g., marble or granite); metals (e.g., brass or pewter); ceramic clay; and, in some cases, even frosted glass.
When the first domino is placed, it triggers a chain reaction whereby the other dominoes must fall in a specific order. The first dominoes will usually fall from their left or right ends, but in some games the dominoes can be laid so that they are stacked on top of each other and then tumbled over. Then, the dominoes are counted to determine a winner.
Hevesh uses a similar technique in her work, creating test versions of each section of her displays to ensure they will all work together perfectly. Whether she is constructing lines of dominoes or 3D structures such as towers and pyramids, Hevesh begins with a blueprint.
After years of slowing growth, Domino’s was losing customers and revenue, but new CEO Patrick Doyle knew it was time to take action. He publicly apologized on national television and went on the road to listen to employees, asking them to share their experiences with him. By focusing on the core problem, Doyle helped revive Domino’s and put it on track to meet its growth goals. He was following one of the company’s core values, which include “Championing Our Customers.” In addition to implementing a number of customer-focused initiatives, the company has focused on improving its delivery system and adding a more modern pizza oven to its stores. These improvements, combined with an emphasis on listening to employees, have helped revitalize the company.