Method and apparatus for exploring a multi-element design through user directed selective rendering

An element selection is made in reference to a first graphical display showing a first subset of elements of a design having a number of elements coupled to one another. The selection is learned. In response, a second graphical display is provided. The second graphical display shows a second subset of the elements of the design, including at least a number of elements that are not part of the first subset but having an informational nexus to the selected element. As a result, a designer may selectively explore a complex design at the designer's direction.