Ruchita Lodha — A human interface design engineer at Pixar Animation Studios
10 years of making technology feel human across entertainment, gaming, fintech, ecommerce and more.
I move between code, pictures and stories to turn chaos into delight that helps humans.
I specialise in untangling complexity, building sustainable systems and creating interfaces that care.
I occasionally leave my desk to talk about design things in front of other cool designy people.
Config 2025
May 2025And cut! The design process behind animation tools
Disney UX Summit
August 2025Behind the Frames, How we design for expert artists
Figma Community Event
December 2025Figma in the design loop
Switch Community Fireside Chat
November 2025Career chat
About Me
I'm Ruchita, a creature of curiosity and a master of pixels. I'm your friendly neighborhood engineer turned designer who loves building systems just as much as crafting interfaces that are fluent in human.
I think in pictures, do in code, and talk in stories. I thrive in challenges, ambiguity, and around friendly faces where humor and autonomy are welcome.
My Story
The Beginning
I was born in a small town in India, in the age of dial-up modems and landline phones—the simpler times. I spent most of my childhood outdoors, playing a bazillion sports and coming home with a fresh injury almost every day. Indoors, my time was spent drawing pictures on the walls, much to my parents' dismay. When I was five, we got our first computer, and my older brother introduced me to video games. I was hooked. It was like escaping reality and bringing my imagination to life.
I had never met a designer growing up—it wasn't a visible career path where I came from. My curiosity about computers led me to engineering, where I developed a deep love for technology. But creativity was always calling. In college, I carved my own creative path, designing websites and marketing campaigns for student clubs, blending my technical skills with my passion for storytelling.
The Turning Point
The next phases of my life were a series of experiments to help me find the perfect intersection of design, technology, and human behavior. I started as a backend engineer, worked at startups, and learned the inner workings of digital products. While working as an applications engineer, I saw the impact a small button change had on a small business owner's sales—it was like magic. I was hooked yet again.
Lately...
Over the past nine years, I've worn multiple hats as an engineer, designer, and product thinker, giving me a unique perspective on how things are built and how they should feel. I thrive on storytelling, systems thinking, and crafting experiences that resonate. I've worked across industries from fintech to gaming and now at Pixar, where I continue to live at the intersection of art and technology.
Beyond Screens
Beyond work, I'm always learning something new. You might find me sculpting, dancing, binging indie movies, climbing, playing a new instrument, or hiking up a volcano abroad. I love collecting experiences that challenge me.
If you ever want to talk about design, art, adventure, or where to find the best chai in the Bay Area, let's connect!
Work Experience
Pixar Animation Studios
2022–2026Sr. Product Designer — Built real-time animation and rendering tools used by artists across feature films.
Blizzard Entertainment
2020–2022Product Designer — Designed developer portals and internal tools for game production teams.
Instamojo
2017–2018UX Engineering Lead — Shaped payments and e-commerce experiences for small businesses across India.
ZopSmart
2016–2017Software Developer — Built and designed e-commerce platforms powering online grocery stores.
Movies
I love films that feel small but hit deep — the kind that sit with you long after the credits roll. Here are some of my recent recommendations.
The Chronology of Water
2025
I don't know how to describe this intense, dream sequenc-y, raw biography that is visually so beautiful, its like processing trauma through art, identity fluidity and resilience. Gg Kristen.
Sentimental Value
2025
This one beautifully captured a relationship through a tender, observant lens. The house feels frozen in time, serving as a repository to memories. The unspoken words linger long after, making the film quietly unforgettable.
Sorry, Baby
2025
Sorry, Baby bruised me. It's deeply intimate, with silences that say more than words. I loved how it captures life after trauma, not through flashbacks, but through the quiet grace of a healing friendship.
The Penguin Lessons
2024
I couldn't recommend The Penguin Lessons more. It's sentimental without being heavy, told with a gentle humor and humility that makes it feel effortless. A true story, beautifully light in tone, with a quiet lesson that lingers.
The Superboys of Malegaon
2024
After so long, a Bollywood movie finally made me cry. Not flashy or loud, just honest and cute. Truly an inspiring story for anyone passionate about filmmaking.
Books
Empire of AI
2024
Currently reading - Karen Hao explores the landscape of artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
Tiny Experiments
2024
Currently reading - Anne-Laure Le Cunff teaches how small changes lead to big discoveries.
Travel
I chase landscapes like some chase dreams. So far, I've traveled to over 19 countries, hiked two active volcanoes, witnessed the mesmerizing northern lights, and sailed across bioluminescent waters under a starry sky!
Iceland
2024
Raw, untamed nature at its finest. Chasing waterfalls and northern lights was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Sweden
2024
The archipelago and colorful streets of Stockholm captured my heart. The perfect balance of urban culture and nature.
Kyoto, Japan
2023
The perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern design. Walking through bamboo forests and visiting temples was transformative.
Guatemala
2022
Antigua's colonial charm and Lake Atitlán's volcanic views. A vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.
Indonesia
2018
Bali's temples and rice terraces were magical. The island's spiritual energy and natural beauty left me inspired.