Domino is a small rectangular block used as a gaming object. Its identifying mark, usually an arrangement of dots or spots like those on dice, is on one face; the other face may be blank or identically patterned. Each domino is distinguished from other pieces in the set by its weight, size, and a line or ridge that divides the identity-bearing face into two squares. The word comes from the Latin dominus, meaning “lord, master.”
Dominoes are most commonly arranged in straight or curved lines; the first domino is tipped ever-so-slightly, causing the others to fall, one after the other, in a rhythmic cascade of motion. This has given rise to the popular phrase “domino effect,” referring to any action that results in subsequent, often greater-than-expected, consequences.
People also use domino to make art, with pieces being arranged in straight lines, curved lines, grids that form pictures when they fall, and 3D structures such as towers and pyramids. Some artists are able to create incredible, multicolored spirals of dominoes that appear to be flowing into infinity.
Many of the same principles that apply to domino constructions are also true of stories. For a story to work, it needs to have scenes that advance the plot by moving the hero either farther from or closer to his or her goal, but they must be spaced correctly, with each scene allowing enough time for the next one to be effective. In addition, a story needs to be neither overly long (heavy on details or minutiae that make it feel slow and uninvolving) nor too short (too shallow at moments of great discovery or at plot points).
Like a game of domino, a good story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. But unlike a game, the story must be able to keep advancing in a way that’s both engaging and natural to its audience. This is where understanding how the domino effect works can help writers and editors craft more compelling fiction.
Domino’s has invested in a wide range of cutting-edge technology, developed and built largely by teams at its World Resource Center in Ann Arbor. Its latest efforts include the purpose-built Domino’s Delivery Vehicle, along with robotic and drone delivery services.
Running AI workloads close to your data means lower cost, optimal performance and compliance. That’s why Domino is designed to run in any cloud, on-premises or in a hybrid multicloud environment. With Domino, it’s easy to self-manage your infrastructure and tools, and take advantage of the speed and scale you need to accelerate project delivery.