As the 2024 design awards season concludes, a remarkable wave of recognition has highlighted the transformative impact of UX/Product Designer Yuqi Cao's work in artificial intelligence and human-centered design. Her innovative platforms addressing workforce development and mental health support have earned multiple prestigious international honors, marking a significant advance in how AI technology can address critical societal challenges.
Cao's recruitment platform Aetco, which earned Silver at both the European Product Design Award (ePDA) and London Design Awards and a nomination for the UX Design Awards 2025 Spring, arrives at a crucial moment when 77% of U.S. organizations report significant hiring difficulties. The platform's comprehensive AI-powered approach reimagines every aspect of the recruitment process, from job posting to final hire.
"Traditional hiring processes often create unintentional barriers to employment," Cao explains. "With Aetco, we've leveraged AI to not just streamline these processes, but to actively promote fairness and accessibility." The platform's sophisticated algorithms help eliminate bias in candidate evaluation while offering discounted pricing to small and underrepresented businesses, directly supporting economic growth in underserved communities.
Aetco has a comprehensive approach to workplace diversity and regulatory compliance. The platform generates trustworthy, compliant content at every hiring stage, helping companies avoid costly legal mistakes while streamlining their recruitment processes. Its AI-powered interview scheduling and notes feature saves hiring teams valuable time while ensuring consistent evaluation criteria across all candidates.
The impact on small and medium-sized businesses has been particularly significant. Aetco brings enterprise-level recruitment capabilities to organizations that previously couldn't afford such sophisticated tools. The platform's success in reducing hiring time while improving candidate quality has made it a valuable asset for businesses navigating today's competitive talent market.
While Aetco transforms workplace recruitment, Cao's mental health platform Parallel has also earned recognition. The project received honors from the German Design Award, Creative Communication Awards, and Loop Design Awards, secured Silver at both the Muse Design Awards and Muse Creative Awards, and earned a nomination for the UX Design Awards 2024.
Parallel addresses a critical gap in mental health support through innovative features like AI-powered journaling, anonymous community support, and progress tracking. The platform's sophisticated privacy features and personalized support systems demonstrate Cao's ability to harness technology while maintaining a deeply human touch.
Parallel understands how people actually engage with mental health support. The platform's AI system adapts to each user's emotional state, providing relevant guidance and connecting them with others who share similar experiences. Its stats feature helps users track emotional patterns over time, making progress tangible and visible.
The breadth of recognition for both platforms reflects their significant impact on American society. At TriNet, one of America's leading Professional Employer Organizations serving over 23,000 small and medium-sized businesses, Cao continues to advance innovative HR solutions that streamline employee management and reduce compliance risks.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape digital interactions, Cao's work offers a model for how thoughtful design can address critical societal challenges while advancing America's position in digital technology. The multiple international honors she received in 2024 reflect the design industry's growing recognition of solutions that make sophisticated technology accessible and meaningful to everyday users.
