High Stakes, Low Predictability
Spinal surgeries have a concerningly high failure rate, with up to 40% of patients experiencing unsatisfactory outcomes
This often results in additional painful surgeries and prolonged suffering. Each revision surgery can cost up to $50,000, imposing a significant economic burden on patients and healthcare systems. Today, surgeons lack reliable tools to accurately predict surgical outcomes, creating uncertainty in their planning process.
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Introducing the Spine Oracle™
To address this challenge, Agada, a med-tech company founded by surgeons and doctors, developed the Spine Oracle™, A pre-operative platform that leverages anthropometric and diagnostic data, powered by AI, to help surgeons plan and predict surgery outcomes. This innovative tool shifts the surgical process from trial-and-error to a data-driven, science-based approach, reducing unnecessary surgeries and improving patient care.
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A unique aspect of this project was the fact that the Agada team served as both the product owners and the target users, providing invaluable insights into the specific challenges faced by surgeons.
Throughout the project, we held weekly meetings with the main Agada team and a group of spine surgeons who were stakeholders in the company. This collaboration facilitated direct feedback and ensured that our design decisions were based on the needs and perspectives of the end-users
Before diving into design, we conducted thorough research to grasp the complexities of spinal surgery, and better understand the world the surgeons work in.
We reviewed medical literature and surgical videos to understand the spinal anatomy and surgery process. In addition, We examined similar products and products spinal surgeons use daily, to identify familiar UX patterns that surgeons are accustomed to.
In addition, We examined similar products and products spinal surgeons use daily, to identify familiar UX patterns that surgeons are accustomed to.
We began the design phase by defining the main flow, which outlined the ideal user journey through the application. This step was crucial for ensuring a seamless experience.
Initially, the Agada team presented a one-directional flow, but we suggested a circular flow to allow surgeons to explore and compare different surgical options.
Next, we created wireframes to define the basic structure and layout, focusing on making the system intuitive and easy to use.
After considering several UX solutions, we chose a tab-based navigation system. This would allow surgeons to effortlessly switch between surgical plans and return to the pre-op review without leaving the flow, facilitating faster decision-making.
We divided the main screen into five essential sections, a structure we applied consistently across all screens in the system to ensure a streamlined and efficient user experience.
Structured from the Start
We built every UI element as a reusable component within a unified Design System. From spacing to states, everything followed consistent rules—ensuring clarity and scalability from day one.
Design Once, Apply Everywhere
Thanks to component-based design, updates made in one place were reflected throughout the product. This sped up iteration and reduced inconsistencies across screens and flows.
A Foundation for What’s Next
Our system wasn’t just built for today - it was intentionally designed to support responsiveness, states, behaviors, and interactions once development begins.
A comprehensive look at the patient’s anatomy and condition.
Before creating a surgical plan, the system presents key imaging data — including X-rays, CT scans, and 3D views — alongside detailed measurements and alignment metrics.
This step ensures the surgeon enters the planning flow with complete clarity on the patient’s current state — a critical foundation for successful spine surgery.
Planning for Precision
This step guides the surgeon through creating a detailed surgical plan - from clinical context to implant selection.
Data-Driven Surgical Forecast
Once the surgical plan is finalized, the system generates a visual and data-driven prediction of how the spine will respond post-operatively.
This view combines 3D anatomical rendering with color-coded biomechanical simulations, enabling surgeons to assess stress distribution across vertebrae and disks.
The prediction report includes:
Product Vision, Brought to Life
We delivered a complete, high-fidelity prototype that captured the full surgical planning experience—tailored for investor presentations and internal alignment.
The work provided Agada with the clarity and tools they needed to move forward with confidence—both strategically and financially.