Domino, the popular childhood toy that can be stacked on end in long lines and tipped over to set off a chain reaction that ultimately topples all of them, is an example of the kind of thing that leads to such common catchphrases as the “domino effect” or simply “the snowball effect.” It’s also a perfect illustration of how simple actions can have unforeseen consequences.
A domino is a small, rectangular block used as a gaming object, typically made of a rigid material such as wood, bone, or plastic. Each domino has an identifying mark on one face and is blank or identically patterned on the other. Those markings are called pips, and they form part of a number system used to determine the value of each piece in the game. A domino that has the same pips on both faces belongs to a suit; for example, a double-six.
The most common use of the word is to refer to a domino game, which is generally played by two or more players and involves drawing and placing tiles in order to create a line of matching ends (with open ends counting as zeros). The first player to play his or her last tile wins the game.
In addition to playing the game, many people enjoy creating mind-blowing domino setups. One such artist is Hevesh, a 20-year-old who has more than 2 million YouTube subscribers and who has worked on projects that have included movie sets, TV shows, and events for pop star Katy Perry. Hevesh makes her spectacular designs by following a version of the engineering-design process: first considering a theme or purpose, then brainstorming images and words that might go with it. She also tests each section of the design, filming in slow motion to make precise corrections if necessary. Hevesh then assembles the sections, starting with the biggest 3-D arrangements and then adding flat arrangements before finally adding lines of dominoes that connect all the different parts.
While Domino’s Pizza has seen its fair share of ups and downs since Doyle became CEO in 2010, it seems as if it is headed in the right direction. He has focused on promoting company values, including the principle that the company should “Champion Our Customers.” This appears to mean more than just paying attention to customer complaints; it also means keeping the lines of communication open between employees and making changes when needed.
The company recently launched a new delivery car that will allow it to deliver more quickly, and it is experimenting with drones for even faster deliveries. The bottom line is that when a company values its customers and its employees, it can accomplish amazing things. It can turn a business that was the subject of late-night jokes into a worldwide powerhouse. We can only hope that more businesses will follow suit and begin to see the power of listening to their own voices.