The word “domino” refers to a small, flat block used as a gaming object. It is also a metaphor for something powerful and dramatic, like a domino effect. Dominoes are a fun and educational way to build coordination skills, and they can teach kids about the power of sequence and timing.

Dominoes are cousins to playing cards and offer a host of game possibilities, from simple blocking or scoring games to complex pattern-matching puzzles. They are generally stacked on end to form long lines and are knocked over to create chain reactions. Most people are familiar with traditional domino sets, but they can be found in a wide variety of materials and finishes.

The most popular domino sets are made of polymer (plastic), with a smooth, glossy surface and round edges. Many other materials are also available, including natural stone (such as marble, granite or soapstone); woods (e.g., ash, oak or maple); metals (e.g., brass or pewter); ceramic clay; and even glass or crystal. Each of these materials has a distinctive look, and the resulting tiles are usually heavier than those made of polymer.

In the mid-18th century, dominoes were introduced in Italy and France. In their early history, Western dominoes were primarily used in positional games. In these, each player placed a domino edge to edge against another, trying to match the values of the adjacent faces—called the ends of the tile. The value of a domino is identified by the number of spots or pips on each side of the tile, which range from 0 to 6.

Lily Hevesh began collecting and playing with dominoes when she was 9. She’d often set them up in straight or curved lines and then flick the first domino, watching as the entire line fell one after another. Today, Hevesh is a professional domino artist, creating spectacular displays for movies, TV shows and events, such as a recent album launch for Katy Perry. Her YouTube channel has more than 2 million subscribers, and she’s helped to set a Guinness World Record for the most dominoes in a circular arrangement: 76,017.

Hevesh’s work reflects an emerging trend in design, with homeowners increasingly turning to third-party services to deliver food and other household goods to their doorsteps. This trend is challenging traditional delivery companies such as Dominos, but the company believes it can be overcome with innovative technology. In addition to its extensive online ordering platform, Dominos has opened an Innovation Garage in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where cross-functional teams are collaborating on and testing new ideas. The company has invested in developing technology that will help its local franchises compete with third-party delivery services, while enhancing customer experiences. It’s a strategy that appears to be paying off: Dominos has posted 30 consecutive quarters of positive US sales growth.