Elisabeth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Brown University where her research concentration was in the field of interface authoring systems. She was an original member of the Institute for Research in Information and Scholarship and developed some of the initial prototype designs for IRIS’ Intermedia project (an early multimedia hypertext system). Her research focused on the development of methodologies and tools to support scholars’ work. Many of her pilot courses are still part of the university's computer science curriculum.
In 1985 she joined the Information Systems Division of Xerox Corporation as an Interface Design Engineer and in 1987 she moved to Claris Corporation (then a subsidiary of Apple Computer) as one of the company’s charter members. As manager of the Claris Human Interface Group, Elisabeth directed the visual and interaction design of all Claris software products, resulting in a consistent and unique corporate software identity. She established interface design as an integral part of the product development process, including creating user observation methodologies and interface design guidelines. She designed the interactivity and visuals for such notable early Macintosh products such as MacWrite II, MacDraw Pro, FileMaker Pro, and ClarisWorks. Prior to leaving Claris she contributed to the design of Claris’ cross-platform interface strategy, including the design of FileMaker Pro for Windows.
In 1991, Elisabeth left Claris to establish an Interface Design consulting firm with Bruce Browne. Together, they work in partnership with their clients to design and develop visual and interaction design strategies, processes, tools and product solutions for use on a variety of mobile, desktop and web platforms.
As a consultant, Elisabeth worked extensively with Palm Computer on the design of their ground breaking Treo and Graffiti interfaces, including the email, calendar, contact and task applications. She worked with Intuit on their Quicken for Macintosh and their Pocket Quicken mobile software, Remedy Corporation on the design of their “Remedy@Work” enterprise web application suite along with the design of their award-winning HelpDesk software, U3 on the design of their portable flash drive application, and Snap-on Tools on the design of their Mobile Information Center and franchisee sales software. Additional clients include SUN Microsystems/Oracle and Apple Computer (design of future operating system interfaces), Microcell Labs (research, design and development of consumer electronic product interfaces), Netcentives (design of their e-commerce rewards program), Connectix Videophone, Symantec Corporation, and several R&D projects involving mobile and accelerometer technologies. In the area of user studies, evaluation and testing, Elisabeth has consulted with Stanford University, Palm Computer, Remedy, U3, and SUN Microsystems.
Elisabeth is a member of Sigma Xi, IEEE, ACM SIGCHI and BayCHI. She is a founding member of the Women In Consulting networking association. She has published work in AXIS Design Quarterly, American Center for Design Journal, and ACM Multimedia Conference Proceedings.