A domino is a small rectangular block, usually made of wood or plastic, with one face marked with an arrangement of dots or numbers, similar to those on dice. The other face is blank or identically patterned. Dominoes are often stacked on end in long lines, then tipped so that the first domino tips and causes the rest to fall over, creating an intricate and sometimes mesmerizing pattern.
Dominoes can be used for a variety of games, including chance-based systems, strategy, and logic. Dominoes can also be arranged in 3-D structures, and are sometimes even used to create works of art.
Hevesh demonstrates the power of dominoes when she knocks over a line of them that was carefully set up. She says that each domino has a point of inertia, which means it will stay right where it is unless there’s some outside force pushing on it. A slight nudge can be all it takes to push that first domino past its tipping point, which then allows it to exert force on the next one, and so on. This is what gives rise to the phrase “domino effect,” describing a series of events that starts with a simple action and then results in much greater consequences.
When Nick developed his method for making dominoes, he didn’t have the money to buy expensive tools like a drill press and a radial arm saw. So he did what any amateur craftsman would do: He used the tools in his grandmother’s garage. “There’s a lot of friction between each piece of wood when you’re doing these,” Hevesh says. “You have to be careful not to overheat or burn anything.”
The word domino is actually derived from two different roots. The oldest, found in English and French, refers to a long hooded robe worn with a mask during a masquerade. The other, first recorded in French around 1750, refers to the ebony black and ivory pieces used by a priest over his surplice.
A domino has a very specific meaning in the context of gaming, however. In a domino game, players lay out a row of dominoes and then tally points based on the outcomes of each roll of the dice. The winner is the player who has the most points at the end of the game.
Domino’s has been working to revitalize itself in recent years. They’ve introduced a new pizza, revamped their delivery system, and have been experimenting with robot and drone-based delivery. They’ve also implemented a new leadership style that emphasizes listening to customers and employees alike.
This open communication has been a big factor in helping the company turn things around. Ultimately, Domino’s wants to be the leader in pizza and other related food products in countries across the world, and this means that they need to understand their local market well enough to compete with local competitors. Listening to the voices of the people who eat their product and acting upon their feedback will ensure that Domino’s continues to grow in the future.