People
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 (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 (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.
Emma (LinkedIn) is a product and marketing leader who bridges strategic thinking and creative storytelling. With an MBA from Kellogg and an MFA, she brings a unique perspective to building and sharing products that resonate with audiences.
Why Point Taken:
Point Taken helps us rediscover curiosity and humility in disagreement, and I’m excited to help grow its impact and foster greater mutual understanding.
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.
Charles (LinkedIn) is a Ph.D. candidate in computer science at Northwestern. He works across engineering, product, and research to build useful things with (or without) AI.
Why Point Taken:
Critical thinking and meaningful dialogue are essential but difficult. PointTaken is designed to guide us through this challenge toward progress.
Annabel (LinkedIn) is a Master’s student studying Computer Science at Northwestern University. Her work bridges human-computer interaction, AI, and learning sciences, with a focus on reimagining education in the age of AI.
Why Point Taken:
I love games and I love to argue (constructively). I’m excited by how Point Taken uses play to help people have productive disagreements.
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.
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 (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 (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.
Emma (LinkedIn) is a product and marketing leader who bridges strategic thinking and creative storytelling. With an MBA from Kellogg and an MFA, she brings a unique perspective to building and sharing products that resonate with audiences.
Why Point Taken:
Point Taken helps us rediscover curiosity and humility in disagreement, and I’m excited to help grow its impact and foster greater mutual understanding.
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.
Charles (LinkedIn) is a Ph.D. candidate in computer science at Northwestern. He works across engineering, product, and research to build useful things with (or without) AI.
Why Point Taken:
Critical thinking and meaningful dialogue are essential but difficult. PointTaken is designed to guide us through this challenge toward progress.
Annabel (LinkedIn) is a Master’s student studying Computer Science at Northwestern University. Her work bridges human-computer interaction, AI, and learning sciences, with a focus on reimagining education in the age of AI.
Why Point Taken:
I love games and I love to argue (constructively). I’m excited by how Point Taken uses play to help people have productive disagreements.
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.