Improved systems and techniques for representation of information. As a user creates a graphic design, properties represented by graphical elements of the design, are associated with visual characteristics of the elements, and a palette of elements is made available for use in development of the design or creation of new designs. As generalized elements are added to a design, the generalized elements may take on visual characteristics associated with properties identified by the positioning of the generalized elements in the design. Ongoing or existing designs may be surveyed to identify elements, properties represented by the elements, and visual characteristics associated with the properties, and new elements added to the palette or existing elements modified as a result of one or more surveys.