The PCA Design Framework: Making Sense of Inspiration

Written By Blake Birch

There are moments when you see something — a piece of clothing, an object, even a photo — and it just sticks. It hits a nerve, makes you feel something. And you think, I want to make something like that. But there’s a fine line between taking inspiration and just copying. That’s where the PCA Design Framework comes in.

PCA stands for Principal Component Analysis — I borrowed the name from a method of making linear regression models I learned during a stats class in college. In statistics, it’s about breaking things down into their most important variables and using that to predict future outcomes. For design, I use it the same way: to strip down a source of inspiration into its core elements, then translate those elements into something new and personal.

Step 1: Analyze the Source Material

Start by breaking down whatever you’re pulling from. Here are a few principal components I like to use as a framework, but you can add your own depending on the medium or project:

  • Color Palette – What are the dominant and secondary tones? Is there contrast or harmony? Brightness or neutrality?

  • Texture – Smooth, coarse, crunchy, soft, creamy?

  • Weight/Density – Heavy, light, airy, grounded?

  • Structure/Shape/Form – Precise or fluid? Rigid or organic?

  • Temperature/Mood – Emotional tone: cozy, sharp, sensual, restrained? Does it evoke a season, a time of day, a place?

  • Movement – Does it move? How? Does it evoke motion, even when still?

  • Flavor / Emotional Profile – Rich, clean, spicy, indulgent, minimal?

  • Cultural or Historical Reference – What’s the heritage or cultural context?

  • Personal Memory or Symbolism – What does it mean to you?

You don’t need to hit all of these every time. Just enough to really understand why the source speaks to you.

Step 2: Translate to a New Medium

This is where the magic happens. Now that you understand what you’re drawn to, take those components and reimagine them in your own context. Here's how that might look in fashion, but the same concept applies to graphic design, branding, product design — whatever:

  • Color Palette → Think beyond color; consider contrast, temperature, harmony

  • Texture / Material Feel → Fabric choices, finishes, treatments

  • Weight / Density → Fabric thickness, drape, physical presence

  • Structure / Shape / Form → Silhouettes, paneling, proportions

  • Mood / Temperature → Styling, tone, how the piece feels emotionally

  • Movement → Garment behavior: pleats, stretch, how it flows

  • Flavor / Emotional Profile → Edgy? Wholesome? Refined? Let the vibe inform your decisions

  • Cultural / Historical Reference → Subtle nods to time periods, regions, or designers

  • Personal Memory / Symbolism → Can be expressed through material, function, or even tiny easter eggs

A Dumb Example That Proves the Point

To show how literally anything can be turned into design inspiration, here’s an actual exercise I did using the air duster can sitting on my desk as inspiration for a pair of pants.

Inspiration Object: A can of iDuster-brand air duster

Color Palette

  • Abstract: Bright teal, white, silver accents

  • Concrete: White pants with teal accents and silver hardware

Texture

  • Abstract: Smooth, cold, hard

  • Concrete: Aged, heavy denim with a smooth feel — maybe a wool blend for added sheen

Weight / Density

  • Abstract: Feels heavier than expected

  • Concrete: Dense fabric that drapes but has a slightly rough feel

Structure / Shape

  • Abstract: Cylindrical, rigid

  • Concrete: Straight leg, uniform width down the leg (mimics a can’s shape)

Mood / Temperature

  • Abstract: Cold, utilitarian

  • Concrete: Cold-toned palette and metallic details to keep that feeling

Movement

  • Abstract: Bursts of air

  • Concrete: A jacquard weave or paneling that expands visually as it goes down the leg — like a compressed-to-expanded pattern

Flavor / Emotional Profile

  • Abstract: Clinical, emotionless

  • Concrete: Cold-toned colors and minimalist styling

Cultural / Historical Reference

  • Abstract: Name evokes Apple products

  • Concrete: Apple-inspired metallic hardware

Personal Memory / Symbolism

  • Abstract: Used while cleaning my keyboard before gaming or designing

  • Concrete: Add a drawstring waistband to reflect casual, at-home creative sessions

That’s it. That’s the framework. Doesn’t matter if your source of inspiration is a painting, a vintage jacket, or a can of air duster — as long as you take the time to break it down, you can reassemble it into something new and unique with a storied background.

Blake Birch