Domino is a game in which players try to place dominoes edge-to-edge against each other so that the numbers on one end of the domino match those on the other. Its history goes back to the mid-18th century, although it was largely forgotten in England after the French Revolution. The game was rediscovered in the United States in the late 19th century, and now it’s enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world.
There are many types of domino games, ranging from the simple to the complex, but all have the same basic rules. A domino set includes 28 unique pieces, with each domino having a number of dots on one or both ends. The traditional domino set has seven pips on each side, but other types of dominoes may have as few as six or as many as eight.
The term “domino” has several meanings, from the simplest to the most elaborate: In English, it refers to a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade ball; in French, it denotes the white garment that priests wear over their surplices, and earlier still it meant an embroidered cape. It is believed that the word domino came from Italian and French, both of which used the same root words for a cloak or cape.
Hevesh, the domino artist who created the stunning display in the video above, started playing with dominoes as a child. By the time she was 20, she had a huge collection of dominoes and was posting videos of her creations on YouTube. Now, she works on massive domino art for movies, television shows, and events — including an album launch for pop star Katy Perry. Her largest installations take several nail-biting minutes to fall, but Hevesh is a master at making sure every domino is in its proper place.
Hevesh’s designs are mind-blowing, but her process is surprisingly straightforward. She starts by considering the theme or purpose of an installation, then brainstorms images and words that might be appropriate to use in the design. Once she has the design in mind, Hevesh carefully tests it to see how each section will work independently. If something doesn’t quite fit, she tries again until it does.
While a chain like Domino’s may have fewer outlets than a local independent, the company has a few opportunities that could help it regain its footing in the food industry. For example, as consumers have switched to takeout and delivery services, it’s been a great opportunity for Domino’s to expand its presence in these areas. It also offers an array of pizza toppings, which gives it the ability to customize its offerings for different regions. Also, continuous research on effects of additives like flavors means Domino’s can experiment with new ingredients and products to keep its customers happy.