The way I see it, the author might be trying to model the process of solving a design problem in terms of PCA decomposition vs a mere multivariate regression.

The way I see it, the author might be trying to model the process of solving a design problem in terms of PCA decomposition vs a mere multivariate regression. Certainly in vogue given the focus on data analysis, AI/machine learning lately. Doesn't seem too far-fetched. Ok some things could be better explained but overall the article is still nice in my opinion. Found that entertaining.