A method including generating integrated computational element (ICE) models and determining a sensor response as the projection of a convolved spectrum associated with a sample library with a plurality of transmission profiles determined from the ICE models. The method includes determining a regression vector based on a multilinear regression that targets a sample characteristic with the sensor response and the sample library and determine a plurality of regression coefficients in a linear combination of ICE transmission vectors that results in the regression vector. The method further includes determining a difference between the regression vector and an optimal regression vector. The method may also include modifying the ICE models when the difference is greater than a tolerance, and fabricating ICEs based on the ICE models when the difference is within the tolerance. A device and a system for optical analysis including multiple ICEs fabricated as above, are also provided.