A great way to approach inspiration is not to look at the whole design, but rather to scan for the elements that are relevant to your project. Observe how others have solved problems similar to yours, and run with those aspects of the design.
Practically speaking, this is solid advice. Studying the designs of our peers, mentors and heroes can be a great way to advance your skills, helping you learn to approach problems from different angles and perspectives. Moreover, studying a variety of different solutions to the same basic problem can reveal the pros and cons of each, and ultimately help you determine which solution (or even combination of solutions) may be the most appropriate for your unique circumstance.
http://designm.ag/resources/a-frame-of-reference-part-1-finding-ideas/ (Via Designm.ag)
