A domino is a small rectangular block, each of which bears from one to six pips or dots (see Dominoes). The set of 28 such blocks constitutes a complete domino set. They can be used for a variety of games, usually by matching the ends of two or more tiles and laying them down in lines and angular patterns. They can also be used as a model of the workings of nerve cells, or neurons.
When the first domino falls, it transfers energy to the next tile, causing it to push the next, and so on, in a chain that continues until the last domino is knocked over. This phenomenon is known as the Domino Effect, and it can be seen in all sorts of amazing ways.
Many of us have fond memories of playing with dominoes as children. We can recall the thrill of tipping just the right piece of a long row and watching it fall in a beautiful cascade. As adults, we might still play a game of dominoes from time to time or even use them as decorations.
But what most people don’t realize is that these small rectangular bricks are much more than just a simple entertainment. They have a lot to teach us about how the world works.
In the past, dominoes were mainly made of ivory or bone, with black or white pips inlaid on the surface. However, more recently sets have been made from a variety of natural materials: stone (e.g., marble or granite); other woods (e.g., hickory, ash, and oak); metals; ceramic clay; and other, less traditional materials such as frosted glass or crystal.
When creating a mind-boggling domino installation, Hevesh follows a version of the engineering-design process: She considers the theme or purpose of an installation and brainstorms different configurations. She then tests each section of the setup to make sure it works properly, making corrections as needed. Once she is confident that each part of the dominoes is working correctly, she begins assembling them. She starts with the biggest 3-D sections, then adds flat arrangements and finally lines of dominoes that connect all the sections together.
As the individual pieces are added to a domino chain, it becomes increasingly more complex. The way that the dominoes are arranged affects how much force is needed to push them over. The most adroit players can create chains that develop into snake-line patterns or more intricate shapes.
Similarly, when you start something new in your life, it’s important to consider how it might have an impact on other areas of your life. For example, when Jennifer Dukes Lee began to make her bed every day, it was the beginning of a domino effect that eventually led her to clean and organize her entire home.
When it comes to writing, the domino effect can also be an important tool for constructing a story. If you want readers to care about your characters, then you need to show them how their actions affect each other. Whether you write off the cuff or follow an outline, using the domino effect can help you tell a story that engages and captivates your readers.