Using the Domino Effect to Strengthen a Story
Domino is a game played by laying pieces of a rectangular tile end to end on a flat surface. Each piece has a line or ridge that divides it visually into two squares with an arrangement of dots, called “pips” (similar to those on the face of a die). The number of pips on each side of a domino is the domino’s value; blank or identically patterned sides are not valued. The values of the pips are used to determine the order in which the pieces should be placed on the surface and, later, in a chain of play.
Whether the pieces are set up in straight or curved lines, in grids that form pictures when they fall, 3D structures like towers and pyramids, or an intricate and imaginative domino art, the simple act of flicking one piece ever so slightly causes the whole line to collapse in a beautiful and rhythmic cascade. Domino builders often compete to show off their skills by creating complex, elaborate, and mesmerizing chains of dominoes before an audience of fans.
In writing, we can use the concept of a domino effect to help us create a story structure that is both strong and engaging. The idea is that a scene should be like a domino: it should fit snugly with the scene before it and, when it falls, should naturally influence the next scene.
While it may seem counterintuitive that the best way to strengthen your story is by removing scenes, this principle is true in many cases. Taking the time to carefully consider how each scene fits into the overall story will ultimately result in a stronger and more compelling narrative.
The same principle can be applied to teaching. When students are compensating for learning challenges, they can become frustrated and even shut down as the effort required to compensate for their lack of basic skills builds. One small movement, such as a misplaced hand or a mistake in counting, can impact the entire line of dominos and cause the whole sequence to come crashing down before the student is ready.
In order to address the challenge of low sales, Domino’s invested in cutting-edge technology created and built largely by teams at its World Resource Center. This helped the company market to segments that traditional delivery services did not reach.
In addition, Domino’s CEO David Brandon worked to change the culture at Domino’s by making it more employee-centric. He also focused on leadership rather than management, seeking out leaders that stood out rather than those who climbed the corporate ladder. This has helped to improve the company’s performance and customer satisfaction. The changes were so successful that Domino’s was able to transition to the main stock market in 2007.