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Proprio: Innovation in Med Tech

How I led UX strategy, people, and design for safety in a groundbreaking surgical guidance platform.

This page is in-progress, last update July 16, 2025

Leading UX at Proprio

50+

Clinical Cases

3

FDA 510k Clearances

4

Design Awards

My Role & Leadership

Head of UX at Proprio

Leading design strategy and user-facing software engineering for a cutting-edge surgical guidance system, with a focus on safety, usability, and innovation in the operating room.

Managed Hybrid Team

I scaled the team over five years to support the product from launch through ongoing updates and innovation. Direct reports included:

  • UX Designers

  • Software Engineers (UI, 3D, Graphics)

  • Software Test Engineers

  • VR Prototypers

Leadership Philosophy

  • Collaboration is key

  • Lead calmly through turbulence

  • Foster learning, especially AI tools

  • Support career growth

  • Data driven success metrics

  • Deliver high quality experience

About Proprio

All product images and videos are courtesy of Proprio, Inc.

Paradigm is a real-time 3D surgical guidance system that enables intraoperative visualization and measurement—without radiation. The platform integrates machine learning, computer vision with depth and RGB cameras, and optically tracked surgical instruments.

Proprio’s data-first mindset ensures the product records surgical procedures in real time, enabling a pipeline of AI data products.

See more about the technology at propriovision.com

The Challenge

People may require spinal fusion to reduce pain and stabilize the spine from conditions like scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and fractures. Yet current methods face serious clinical, technical, and business hurdles.

Clinical & User Problems

  • Radiation exposure: Frequent CT scans expose patients and surgical staff to health risks.

  • Severe consequences: Errors in complex spine surgery can cause lifelong pain or paralysis.

  • Steep learning curve: Over 13 years of training is needed, leaving too few surgeons for growing demand.

  • Limited data capture: Lack of intraoperative data limits learning and surgical improvements.

Product & Business Challenges

  • Regulatory complexity: Class II devices must meet strict FDA standards and documentation.

  • Workflow sensitivity: Surgeons resist tools that disrupt established routines.

  • AI Integration: AI outputs must achieve accuracy within clinically acceptable tolerances, support user-driven corrections, and maintain traceability to build trust.

  • Cross-functional alignment: Success requires tight collaboration across diverse teams.

  • Pressure to innovate safely: Companies must deliver new solutions without compromising safety or compliance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Bridged silos to align UX with surgical workflows, safety, compliance, and business goals. Aligning on the realities of our complex technology.

Surgeons & Clinical Teams

Regulatory & Quality

Engineering
(SW, Systems, HW)

Product Management

Business Leadership

Strategic UX Approach & Impact

Defined a UX vision balancing user needs, safety, regulatory compliance, and business goals. Highlights:

  • Early surgeon adoption at UW Harborview & Duke University with positive feedback

  • Enabled future AI data products through strategic UX design

  • Integrated usability engineering and risk analysis, enabling successful FDA clearances

  • Helped reduce surgical risks and streamline intraoperative workflows

  • Bridged silos to align UX with technical realities and business needs

Note: Many project details and artifacts are confidential. I’m happy to discuss my work and approach further in conversation.