Domino is a flat thumb-sized rectangular block that can be stacked on end to form long lines. Each domino has on its face either a blank or a set of dots (called pips) resembling those on dice. When one of these tiles is tipped over, it causes the next domino in the line to tip over and eventually all the rest in a chain. These chains can be used to play games of skill where players compete to empty their hands or they may be laid to form geometric designs and other shapes. They also help kids learn numbers and the physics of cause and effect.
The name Domino is a nod to the power of these simple yet intricately linked pieces and their ability to affect more than just themselves. The word also suggests a positive focus on choice and consequences. It’s about acknowledging that while nobody else can set up your dominoes, you have the option to establish a particular pathway and pursue knocking them all over or rearrange them to create a different journey altogether.
While the modern use of the word focuses on these small squares, it originally denoted a much larger garment: a hooded cloak worn together with a mask at carnival time or at a masquerade. This sense of the word was retained in French after 1750 and, along with a related meaning for the playing piece itself, was adopted into English around 1800.
When the domino set is limited to 28 tiles, identifying all the pips becomes more difficult so many large sets are “extended” by adding additional pips on an existing end. These extra pips increase the number of unique combinations of ends and therefore the total number of possible dominoes. Most of the domino games in common use have rules based on the addition or deletion of individual pips and the order in which they appear.
Among the company’s core values is “Champion Our Customers.” It means that Domino listens to its customers and addresses their concerns, even when they challenge established practices.
For example, one of the main complaints of Domino’s customers was that they often have to wait longer than advertised for their delivery. So, when the company announced that they were changing their delivery drivers’ routes to reduce traffic congestion and speed up deliveries, it was a direct response to customer feedback.
When Domino’s CEO, Tom Doyle, took over as leader of the company in 2015, he made it a priority to continue listening to its employees and championing the value of choice. He implemented new policies including a relaxed dress code and revamped college recruiting systems, all of which were aimed at improving employee experience. This was in keeping with the company’s desire to remain innovative and change with the times. It was a bold move, but one that paid off in big ways. The company’s stock price was up almost 50% in the first year that Doyle was at the helm.