A domino is a small wooden or plastic block, typically square with a line in the middle to divide it visually. The ends of the domino are marked with numbers resembling those on dice, and the number of dots on each end is the value of that end (for example, a domino with six pips on each side has a total value of 12). Dominoes have been used for many different purposes in both gaming and entertainment. The most common games include blocking or scoring, such as in a game called “5s and 3s,” where players score points by attaching other dominoes to the end of those already played so that the sum of all the dominoes is divisible by five or three. The first player to score all of their points wins the game.
One of the most fascinating aspects of a domino is how a simple shift in behavior can cause a chain reaction and lead to new behaviors. This concept is referred to as the Domino Effect, and it’s a great way to help people achieve their goals and build sustainable habits. The key is to make the change in one area and then let it take hold in other areas of life.
The domino effect is not only seen in gaming and other recreational activities, but it can also be applied to everyday life. For example, if someone starts making their bed each morning, that new habit can then lead to a broader commitment to cleanliness and organization. This can then translate into other aspects of their lives, such as eating healthier or exercising more regularly.
Hevesh creates her amazing installations by arranging dominoes in 3-D sections and then lining them up in flat arrangements. She tests each section before putting them together to ensure that they work as intended. Hevesh also films her creations in slow motion to give her an even more precise understanding of how each section works. This helps her identify problems and make precise corrections if necessary.
While Hevesh is able to create massive and complex installations, she says that one physical phenomenon is the key to her success: gravity. The force of gravity pulls a domino down, turning its potential energy into kinetic energy and setting off a chain reaction that causes domino after domino to topple.
Hevesh has worked on projects involving up to 300,000 dominoes, and she has a passion for using science to improve her craft. Physicist Stephen Morris explains that while a standing domino has inertia and will resist motion, a tiny nudge is all it takes to get it past its tipping point. Once the domino’s potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, it will push on its neighbors and set off a chain reaction that continues until the entire installation falls over. In addition to physics, Hevesh also credits her success with learning how to plan well and prioritize tasks. She begins each day by choosing the most important task for that day and then ensuring that she gives it her full attention until completion.