Inspired by The Better Angels of Our Nature by Steven Pinker, Why War: The Causes of Conflict examines the decline of violence through history and reframes the museum’s collection of military aircraft and armor within a broader social and ethical context.

As lead writer and content developer, I collaborated with museum leadership and subject matter experts to define the exhibit’s interpretive goals and narrative framework. I led a small writing team in developing layered, research-based content for a massive interactive wall interpreting eight historic wars and multiple supporting exhibits.

Key experiences included The Conflict Simulator, a branching-narrative game where visitors navigate hypothetical conflicts, and Chronicles of War, a biographical interactive featuring 60 stories of individuals affected by conflict—many from underrepresented populations. I also refined and visualized Professor Greg Cashman’s typology of war causes into a clear interpretive icon system carried throughout the space.

Through data, storytelling, and interactivity, Why War invites visitors to reconsider humanity’s relationship with conflict and progress.