A domino effect is a chain of events that follows one event. It can be a physical chain or a metaphorical one. This concept is also a key tenet of cognitive science, where it has been used to explain how events are linked together and how systems work.
Dominoes are a family of tile-based games that use gaming pieces, sometimes called “dominos,” that consist of rectangular tiles with a line dividing the face into two square ends. Each end of a domino is marked with a number of spots (called pips or dots), and the backs of the pieces are blank.
Unlike playing cards or dice, which are often made from polymer materials like plastic or ceramic clay, domino sets can be made from a variety of natural materials, including woods, stone and metal. These materials typically have a heavier weight than synthetic materials, which can help the set feel more solid and expensive.
These types of domino sets are usually used for layout games that involve domino toppling, a form of game play where each tile is attached to the next to create a chain of dominoes. Depending on the game, each end of a domino may be blocked for geometrical reasons or be allowed to spin, causing the line to branch and creating additional opportunities for toppling.
When a domino falls, it releases its potential energy that is stored when it is upright. This energy is then converted to kinetic energy, the force that causes a domino to fall.
This energy is also transferred to the next domino, which in turn causes a series of other dominoes to fall. This cycle continues until a final domino is knocked down.
The idea of a domino effect can be a powerful tool for improving decision making, and deciding which tasks to prioritise, according to a video from Stephen Morris, a professor at the University of Toronto. He calls this technique “the Domino Effect,” and he has been able to improve his decision-making by using it.
In order to apply the domino effect to personal decisions, Stephen Morris suggests that people focus on one task at a time, and take the time to understand how that task is affecting their overall results. It’s easy to get carried away with too many things in your head, so focusing on one activity at a time can help you decide which ones need the most attention.
Hevesh has also applied this idea to her art, creating installations that feature dominoes in 3-D and flat arrangements. She makes test versions of each section before putting the final installation up, so she can make sure that all the parts of the design work individually and connect seamlessly.
She aims to make every part of the installation work together and be as efficient as possible, which is why she tests all her designs in slow motion to see if everything works before putting them up for real. This approach allows her to make precise adjustments when there’s a problem and it gives her the ability to create an installation that is both beautiful and functional.