The Domino Effect

Domino is a small rectangular block, twice as long as it is wide, marked on one side with an arrangement of dots resembling those on a die. These dots indicate values, ranging from six pips to none or blank. The other face of the domino is usually a pattern of lines. A domino is stacked on end in long rows to form large structures or played with as a game. Each domino is able to be tipped over, starting a chain reaction that causes the next domino to tip over and so on. This led to the phrase, domino effect, to describe a series of events that starts with one action but ultimately has much greater–and sometimes catastrophic–consequences.

Hevesh has been creating intricate domino arrangements since she was a child. She has used her talents to create setups for movies, TV shows, and even a music video release party for Katy Perry. Her YouTube channel, Hevesh5, has more than 2 million subscribers. Hevesh builds her installations in sections, testing each piece before putting it all together. Despite her meticulous preparation, Hevesh knows that not every domino will fall exactly how she wants it to. Some will need a little extra push, while others will simply fall according to the laws of physics.

While many people are familiar with domino as a game, it is also used to model complex systems and demonstrate principles of science and mathematics. For example, a domino can be used to illustrate the concept of gravity by demonstrating how a heavy object affects a light object nearby. It can also be used to show how different types of energy interact, such as how a battery-operated car engine may start with a single push but continue to run after that first movement.

For business leaders, the domino principle can be applied to organizational strategy. It’s important to recognize that every company has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, but it is possible to leverage the best parts of each company to achieve success. Taking note of the domino effect can help you identify these key elements and create an organization that is positioned to thrive.

Just like a row of dominoes, your novel plot requires a strong foundation. The right structure can give you the freedom to write compelling scenes and develop character relationships that will resonate with your readers. Whether you’re composing your manuscript off the cuff or using a detailed outline, thinking about how to use the domino effect in your fiction will help you create an engaging story that is sure to grab readers’ attention from beginning to end.