A domino is a small rectangular block used as a gaming device. The piece usually features a blank surface or is marked with from one to six dots resembling those on dice. A set of 28 such pieces form a complete domino. The term can also refer to any of the various games played with them, as well as a series of actions that serve as triggers for other actions (similar to scripting in coding).
Domino effect is a popular catchphrase that refers to the effect that one action has on subsequent events. The phrase was popularized by the book “The Domino Principle,” which details the effect that a single domino can have on the larger world, such as the fall of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime in South Vietnam and the role that United States President John F. Kennedy hoped his administration would play in containing communism in Asia.
The first thing you should know about creating a domino pattern is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. Domino patterns can be as simple or complex as you want them to be, ranging from straight lines to curved lines to grids that form pictures when they fall to 3D structures like towers and pyramids. But no matter how simple or complex your design, there are some fundamental principles that must be followed if you want to achieve the desired outcome.
For starters, you must have a solid plan. This includes deciding on a layout and determining how many dominoes you’ll need. You can use a computer program or a pencil and paper to create a layout, although using software programs makes the process much faster and easier.
In terms of a domino layout, you must determine the starting point and then build up to it. It is also important to think about the way that each domino will connect to the other, since this can help you figure out how to place them to get the best effect.
Another key component of a good domino setup is understanding how gravity affects them. Stephen Morris, a physicist at the University of Toronto, explains that when a domino is standing upright, it stores potential energy based on its position in space. When it falls, however, this potential energy is converted to kinetic energy and is passed on to other dominoes as they fall.
When it comes to creating a domino effect, the goal is for each new behavior you try to become like the first one—it automatically leads to the next. This is why it’s important to break your goals down into small, manageable steps. Once you have your plan, start by focusing on doing one thing every day that will lead to the next, and continue building on it.
For example, if you’re trying to develop a healthy diet, a good way to start is by adding in one fruit or vegetable each week. Over time, this will add up and make a big difference. The same goes for habits. By taking it slow and steady, you’ll be able to see your results sooner rather than later.