This is how we

fix

the

conversation!

Point Taken helps people disagree better. It's a writing-based conversation game that turns heated topics into moments of reflection, connection, and clarity.

Disagree with purpose.

We believe disagreement isn’t the problem — it’s part of the solution. When handled thoughtfully, disagreement sharpens ideas, improves policies, and brings people closer to the truth. But too often, hard conversations spiral into outrage, misinformation, and distrust. That’s not because people don’t care. It’s because we haven’t been taught how to disagree well. Point Taken helps fix that.

It’s a game that turns debate into a structured, written dialogue. Players engage with care, stick to facts, and build their arguments with logic, not volume. Drawing from research in cognitive science, argument mapping, and conflict resolution, Point Taken trains people to slow down, think clearly, and listen generously. We’re here to make disagreement productive, respectful, and actually worth having.

Meet the Team

Christopher Heo

Software Developer

Chris (LinkedIn) is an undergraduate at Northwestern University studying Computer Science and Learning Sciences.

I’m excited to see how Point Taken can teach people, K-12 students in particular, foundational skills in engaging in productive disagreements.

Why Point Taken:

Maija Boelkins

Product Designer

Maija (LinkedIn) is an undergraduate at Northwestern University studying Cognitive Science, Design, and Human-Computer Interaction. Her background in cognitive science helps her understand user behaviors, motivations, and friction points, and design with those insights in mind.

Why Point Taken:

Point Taken takes a refreshingly human approach to polarization by designing for curiosity, nuance, and intellectual humility. I think we could all benefit from more understanding and openness, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that mission.

Xinran Li

Product Designer

Xinran (LinkedIn) is a product designer currently pursuing a Master's in Engineering Design Innovation at Northwestern University. A user behavior changer with a designer’s heart and a psychologist’s lens, she designs digital (and sometimes physical!) experiences that help people think, feel, and act differently, for the better.

Why Point Taken:

Games can be both playful and inspiring — creating Point Taken sparks curiosity, joy, and connection.

Wen Xu

User Experience Lead

Wen (LinkedIn) is a PhD student at Northeastern University studying data visualization. She is passionate about understanding how people think, whether they’re interpreting data graphs or discussing tough topics. She's currently working on game mechanics and UX research for Point Taken.

Why Point Taken:

One of my dreams is to create a game that's not only fun but also capable of making a difference in someone's life!

Steve Franconeri

Founder

Dr. Steven Franconeri (LinkedIn) is a cognitive scientist and Professor of Psychology at Northwestern, with roles in Kellogg, HCI+Design, and Computer Science. He leads a top research lab on data visualization and science communication, and is CEO & Founder of Becise, a consultancy that applies cognitive science to clear, persuasive communication.

Why Point Taken:

Disagreement is essential for a healthy democracy and for better thinking. But too often, it's poisoned by anger and hatred. I wanted to create a quick and engaging way to help people disagree more productively.

Steve Franconeri

Founder

Dr. Steven Franconeri (LinkedIn) is a cognitive scientist and Professor of Psychology at Northwestern, with roles in Kellogg, HCI+Design, and Computer Science. He leads a top research lab on data visualization and science communication, and is CEO & Founder of Becise, a consultancy that applies cognitive science to clear, persuasive communication.

Why Point Taken:

Disagreement is essential for a healthy democracy and for better thinking. But too often, it's poisoned by anger and hatred. I wanted to create a quick and engaging way to help people disagree more productively.

Wen Xu

User Experience Lead

Wen (LinkedIn) is a PhD student at Northeastern University studying data visualization. She is passionate about understanding how people think, whether they’re interpreting data graphs or discussing tough topics. She's currently working on game mechanics and UX research for Point Taken.

Why Point Taken:

One of my dreams is to create a game that's not only fun but also capable of making a difference in someone's life!

Xinran Li

Product Designer

Xinran (LinkedIn) is a product designer currently pursuing a Master's in Engineering Design Innovation at Northwestern University. A user behavior changer with a designer’s heart and a psychologist’s lens, she designs digital (and sometimes physical!) experiences that help people think, feel, and act differently, for the better.

Why Point Taken:

Games can be both playful and inspiring — creating Point Taken sparks curiosity, joy, and connection.

Maija Boelkins

Product Designer

Maija (LinkedIn) is a rising junior at Northwestern University studying Cognitive Science, Design, and Human-Computer Interaction. Her background in cognitive science helps her understand user behaviors, motivations, and friction points, and design with those insights in mind.

Why Point Taken:

Point Taken takes a refreshingly human approach to polarization by designing for curiosity, nuance, and intellectual humility. I think we could all benefit from more understanding and openness, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that mission.

Christopher Heo

Software Developer

Chris (LinkedIn) is a rising junior at Northwestern University studying Computer Science and Learning Sciences. He is passionate about designing meaningful software solutions for equitable educational opportunities. Chris is from Brooklyn, NY, and enjoys playing volleyball, cooking, and skating in his free time.

Why Point Taken:

I’m excited to see how Point Taken can teach people, K-12 students in particular, foundational skills in engaging in productive disagreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Big Picture

Why are disagreements so polarized these days?

What is "Point Taken" and how does it help fix disagreements?

What do the creators hope "Point Taken" will achieve?

Thinking Better, Together

How does Point Taken encourage mutual respect?

How does Point Taken encourage honest thinking?

How do we know "Point Taken" works?

Boundaries & Limitations

Who is "Point Taken" for, and what kinds of topics work best?

Does Point Taken implicitly legitimize hate speech or harmful ideologies? Not all Points should be Taken!

The Big Picture

Why are disagreements so polarized these days?

What is "Point Taken" and how does it help fix disagreements?

What do the creators hope "Point Taken" will achieve?

Thinking Better, Together

How does Point Taken encourage mutual respect?

How does Point Taken encourage honest thinking?

How do we know "Point Taken" works?

Boundaries & Limitations

Who is "Point Taken" for, and what kinds of topics work best?

Does Point Taken implicitly legitimize hate speech or harmful ideologies? Not all Points should be Taken!

The Big Picture

Why are disagreements so polarized these days?

What is "Point Taken" and how does it help fix disagreements?

What do the creators hope "Point Taken" will achieve?

Thinking Better, Together

How does Point Taken encourage mutual respect?

How does Point Taken encourage honest thinking?

How do we know "Point Taken" works?

Boundaries & Limitations

Who is "Point Taken" for, and what kinds of topics work best?

Does Point Taken implicitly legitimize hate speech or harmful ideologies? Not all Points should be Taken!