Event Overview and Setup Introduction

• Games-themed domino setup at Incredible Science domino event
• Safety protocols established: no loose items (gloves, straps), stay inside caution tape, avoid cones
• Two main sections: traditional dominoes and chain reaction machines (Rube Goldberg elements)
• Setup includes board games moving kinetically throughout the domino chain

Domino Design and Planning Tools

• Steve specializes in machine design, uses Excel VBA for domino field planning
• Field planner for 2D fields, wall planner for 3D structures
• Program resizes Excel cells to match domino layout structures
• Image processing: drops JPEG into program, scans colors, matches to available domino colors
• Generates field instructions (e.g., "Row 1: 50 white, 2 red, 5 black")
• Assembly line process for large fields: one person reading instructions, one gathering dominoes, one loading templates

Custom Tools and Templates

• LEGO-based domino templates: LEGOs perfect size to hold dominoes
• Custom domino gauge with two sides: flat side for fields, wall side for 3D structures
• Template holds 40 dominoes per unit
• Steve developed tools in 2014 during engineering internship
• Templates evolved from random LEGO pieces to custom-designed precision tools

Technical Domino Structures

• Cube structures: 3D domino arrangements, small domino topples large structure
• Direction changer: compact mechanism using pivot on needle, spins to redirect domino line
• Sauna mod technique: dominoes spelled backwards, lean-support chain reaction
• Turtle field: dominoes stacked on top, uses mini dominoes (1/4 size), requires exact half-domino spacing
• Crossing fields: every row shifted 4 dominoes, creates image when fallen from both sides

Backup Systems and Reliability

• Main domino lines marked in black dominoes
• Backup lines use same black color for easy identification
• Parallel paths for critical sections (e.g., mousetrap game backup)
• Multiple backup systems for important transitions
• Safety gaps loaded carefully to prevent accidental triggering
• Direction changer with magnet failsafe: spins for ~1 minute if main line fails

Game Elements and Themed Sections

• Dice cups: dice fling out during chain reaction
• Mousetrap game: integrated but unreliable, has backup line
• Simon spinner: activated by mousetrap mechanism
• Twister mat and Scrabble: 3D letter structures, each letter separate square
• Hot Wheels track: releases cars as trigger mechanism
• Tennis racket mechanism: mousetrap-activated, flips bloopers, two backup systems
• Scoreboard countdown: counts 10 to 1, triggers "game over" wall

Domino Specifications and Sourcing

• 38 different domino colors available
• Company based in Ohio, colors have changed over years
• Multiple versions of same colors due to manufacturing changes
• Specialized dominoes for building: precise right angles, sharp edges, optimal weight
• Clear dominoes available for special effects

Record and Community Aspects

• American domino record for biggest domino structure at this event
• Tradition: participants sign name on domino, place as one of last pieces
• Community term: "domino artists"
• No shoes policy: smaller footprint, minimizes vibration
• "Test" protocol: shout "test" before knocking down sections during setup

Featured Domino Art

• Megaman field: designed from online image, video game characters easier to design
• Galaga wall: 3D wall structure
• Pokemon field: 12,000 dominoes
• Fallout logo: field planner design
• Sonic SOS field: taped sections prevent early falls, sweeping motion
• Triforce pyramid: massive diamond pyramid, taller than person
• Final Fantasy crossing field: scrambled appearance until fallen
• Smarter Every Day logo: sponsor recognition piece

Event Logistics and Sponsorship

• Zeile Credit Union primary sponsor enabling event
• Participants travel from across country
• Last "Incredible Science" branded event, future events planned under different name
• Safety caps loaded day before, harder ones completed as people arrive
• High-pressure safety gap installation process