Whether they’re lined up in rows or knocked over, dominoes are fascinating objects. They’re also a symbol of a powerful effect. Today’s Wonder of the Day is inspired by Juan who wants to know, “What is the domino effect?”
Dominoes are small plastic squares with pips (markers) on all sides. They come in a variety of colors and shapes. Some people play games with them, while others simply use them to make designs. Many children enjoy lining them up in long rows and then knocking them over. Dominoes are also popular toys that can be used in science experiments.
When it comes to writing, you can think of each scene as a domino. In fiction, a scene domino might be one point in your plot that advances information or supports an argument. Each scene domino is ineffective on its own, but when you place it in the right spot with other scene dominoes around it, it can cause a dramatic impact.
Hevesh’s work demonstrates how each piece in a domino set has its own potential energy, which is stored until it reaches its tipping point. When that occurs, the power that was stored in it becomes available to push other pieces over. Hevesh often makes test versions of her creations, which she then films in slow motion, so she can see how each part of the domino chain works individually.
A key to writing a successful story is to give your readers enough logic for each scene to feel natural. If you have a character that does something immoral, for example, it’s important to provide them with the motivation and logic to justify their actions. You can do this by providing other scenes that show the impact of their actions on the people around them, similar to how a domino cascade works.
For example, if your hero decides to break the law and kill someone, you may want to include some scenes that show the impact of his actions on his family, friends, and co-workers. These types of scenes help your reader understand why your hero is acting in a way that goes against societal norms and may allow them to forgive him for his actions.
In the case of Domino’s, Doyle’s success is largely due to his ability to create innovative strategic solutions for the company. He addressed the company’s biggest complaint—that delivery drivers were late or didn’t always get to the customer’s door on time—by implementing a 30-minute target for delivery and creating a uniformed driver program.
He also partnered with crowd-sourced car designers to create a pizza-delivery vehicle, the DXP, which is designed to hold large amounts of food and stand out on the road. The company is also experimenting with drone delivery. The DXP and other cutting-edge initiatives demonstrate that Domino’s is taking its brand to the next level.
