A domino is a small rectangular block used as a gaming object. It has one side that bears an arrangement of dots or pips, similar to those on a die, and a blank or identically patterned side. A complete set consists of 28 dominoes. A person can play a variety of games with dominoes, such as placing them edge to edge to form lines or angular patterns. The game is popular with children, who often use it to create elaborate designs. A domino is also a metaphor for a chain reaction, such as an event that triggers many other events in turn.

Dominoes can be stacked end to end in long lines, with each one positioned so that when it’s tipped, it causes the others to tip. This allows people to set up elaborate patterns of dominoes that can be knocked over with just a gentle nudge. It’s also a fun way to pass the time and develop motor skills. Many children enjoy playing with dominoes, even into their teens. Some people, like 20-year-old Lily Hevesh, have taken the art to a new level. She has more than 2 million YouTube subscribers and creates spectacular domino setups for movies, TV shows, and events.

In business, a domino effect is a series of events that are initiated by just one small action and have large, dramatic consequences. For example, when Jennifer Dukes Lee began to make her bed each day, she established a small habit that encouraged her to take care of other areas of her home. This resulted in a cascade of changes in her life that ultimately led to a transformation of her identity.

The domino phenomenon can also be applied to business strategy. For instance, Tom Monaghan’s pizza restaurant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, was not successful at first. But he realized that he could boost sales by strategically locating his stores near college campuses. This allowed him to reach students who were eager for quick, convenient meals. He named his company Domino’s after the suggestion of a former employee, Jim Kennedy.

Technology is also a critical component of Domino’s success. Half of the company’s employees at its headquarters in Ann Arbor work in software analytics. This has allowed them to quickly adopt and implement new ways for customers to order pizza (like by texting an emoji or using devices like Amazon Echo), monitor the status of their delivery, and more.

Domino’s is also constantly seeking out feedback from its employees and customers. It’s a key component of one of its core values: “Champion Our Customers.” This means that the company listens to what its customers say and uses this information to improve their experience. As a result, the company has received numerous awards for customer satisfaction in the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces surveys.