SymbolBuilder Instructions

Updated by E.A. Draffan

SymbolBuilder Interface

 1. Introduction 

Purpose:

  • SymbolBuilder uses Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) to create AAC symbols to support speech, language and literacy difficulties.  GenAI has been used to create documents from simple questions or images from descriptions, videos, and music. 
  • SymbolBuilder generates new symbols that can be used alongside gestures and other forms of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) in software apps and on printed boards or for information purposes. 
  • Each symbol generated can be created in the style of an open licenced symbol set from the Global Symbols repository by use of a text description or prompt.    
  • There is also the option to create a symbol in the style of an uploaded image.  The symbols below are in the style of the Mulberry symbol set.   

AI sample of Mulberry symbols

AI sample of Mulberry symbols

Audience:

  • The system can be used by anyone using or supporting people using communication symbols.
  • Because of the different designs, some knowledge about the type of AAC symbols already in use is helpful.   

 Prerequisites:

  • SymbolBuilder uses an internet connection and a browser, such as Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari, to access the AI system on any computer or tablet.   

2. Getting Started 

Login: 

  • The user name and password may be provided, if not … 
    • Add a one-word username
    • Use a strong password

login small Figure 1. Login window

Setup:

  • You can use the browser settings to enlarge fonts, change backgrounds or other accessibility features.
  • For help about browser settings go to AbilityNet ‘My Computer My Way’ 

3. User Interface Overview 

Main Screen:

  • SymbolBuilder offers several options on one screen so there is no navigation away from the main purpose of generating symbols. However, you may need to track across and down the screen on a mobile phone.  
  • Each option you try will alter the look and feel of the symbol. You can change the options listed below under Features and Functions (1-7) as many times as you like.  

4. Features and Functions  

upload images prompt select style

Figure 2. Upload an image and/or Just add a text prompt and select a symbol set to match the style you require 

1. Select a Symbol/Image:

  • This can be a symbol available from the Global Symbols Repository, your own symbols or an image you have on your device – preferably a simple design. 

2. Prompt Text:

  • Create a short sentence that best describes what you wish to see as a symbol image.  Mention the main elements clearly such as skin tone, hair colour and origin if a person as well as action required or type of animal, object etc 
  • Because a symbol set will be chosen, there is no need to add the style for the image, nor the size or format as this will automatically be 500x500px and downloaded as a .png or .svg  

3. Select Symbol Set:

  • Use the arrow on the right to reveal a drop-down list with several open licensed symbol sets available to guide the look and feel of symbols generated by the system. 
  • Select the symbol set of your choice  

4. Generate Symbols:

  • Select the ‘Generate Symbols’ button and please be patient as it may take time for the four AI generated symbols to appear.  The button will change from blue to grey when the action has been accepted.  
  • You may have noticed a small print link to ‘Advanced Settings’ above the symbol generation button.  This allows you to make the images more or less detailed alongside other attributes.  For simplicity it is worth trying the default settings before using the advanced settings.   

loaded image in the style of Jellow Figure 3 example of an uploaded image that will be generated in the style of Jellow 

5. Select the best result:

  • Having selected the best result, you will notice there is a Seed Number (5a) that appears above the image.  This can be copied and pasted into one of the advanced settings if you want to generate a similar image as another attempt. 
  • If you are happy with the outcome there are now several options such as downloading as a .png using the small arrow at the top of the symbol (5b).  

Select chosen symbol and remove background Figure 4 Select the chosen symbol, remove the background if required, download as .png or .svg  

6. Remove Background:

  • Select Remove Background if you want a transparent background to your symbol. 
  • This may not always work perfectly with complex images. However, more editing can occur once downloaded as a .png or .svg 

7. Convert symbol to SVG:

  • Convert to SVG and download using the link that appears beside the file name.  

8. Voting on a Symbol:

  • Select ‘Acceptable’ (8a) if you feel the symbol meets your requirements and this will help to improve the system 
  • Select ‘Partially Acceptable’ (8b) if you feel there are areas for improvement.  This will also help the system and you will be able to generate another symbol perhaps with a more detailed prompt.  
  • Select ‘Not Acceptable’ (8c) if the symbol does not meet any of your requirements and start again with an improved prompt and perhaps an uploaded image to reset the system.  No vote is wasted!  

Voting on a symbol Figure 5 Provide a vote on the symbol to improve AI image training outcomes

Generate more symbols by returning to the top of the window and adding a new prompt and/or image

5. Troubleshooting 

Common Issues:

  • You may find if you keep repeating a text prompt the outcome deteriorates. 

    • Time to change some of the options or clear all the settings. 
    • Try a new prompt or elaborate on your prompt but don’t forget keeping it simple is often best.  

  • Image loading is slow 

    • This may be because when using advanced settings, the level of detail is high – 100 or because the server is just starting up with the first symbol you have generated.   
    • Poor internet connection speeds can also contribute to slow delivery of AI generated symbols 

  • Image has shadows or patches 

    • This may occur when the background has been removed - regenerate the symbol using the original seed number and remove the background once the symbol has been downloaded using a free tool such as https://www.remove.bg/  

FAQs:

  • In the future we will gather Frequently Asked Questions about SymbolBuilder and provide answers in our Knowledge Base as we have done with our other services and apps  https://globalsymbols.com/knowledge-base/  

6. Support and Resources 

Contact Information:

  • We are very happy to receive queries, suggestions and information about relevant resources. 
    • hello@globalsymbols.com  

Additional Resources: