SymbolBuilder Text Prompt Guidance for Generative AI AAC Symbols

Updated by E.A. Draffan

AI text prompt edit box on a laptop

Introduction

Writing good text prompts for creating pictographic Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) symbols using Generative AI (GenAI) requires clear descriptive language. The short sentences known as ‘prompts’ should be easy to understand in order to help the AI create images. In the case of SymbolBuilder the 500x500 pixel size and PNG format are already set so these features do not need to be described.

Main Points

  • Think carefully about what you want your symbol to look like. Are there different ways to describe it? Choose the most straightforward description.
  • Type your idea into the Prompt Text edit box, select Symbol Style then Generate Symbols.
  • In about 15-20 seconds, you'll see four images.
  • Look at the four images. They might not look like what you had in mind, and that is to be expected. It means you may need to change your text.
  • Choose the nearest image to your expected symbol, remove the background if required and vote partially acceptable or not acceptable.
  • Ask yourself what is missing from the images. Did you forget to mention something important, like people, places, or objects? Think about where these elements should be in your image. This will help you improve your text prompt.
  • Add or change the prompt and try again. Refreshing the whole web page can help if the images really look terrible.

Please keep trying at least three times with slightly different wording and don’t forget to vote on the result even if it is not acceptable. If the result is good or can be adapted to suit your need, download and edit in your chosen graphics package that may already be available on your device or download a free app such as Inkscape for vector svg, jpeg and png images.

SymbolBuilder

More Tips

1. Clear and specific words - Describe the symbol concept or idea: Explain the object, action, or idea in detail. The more specific you are, the better the image will be. - Example: Instead of "cat," say, "a small, grey cat with pointed ears, sitting down." - Use simple language: Avoid complicated words or technical terms. Make it easy to understand. - Example: Instead of "wardrobe," say "clothes cupboard with a door “

2. Simple uncluttered looking symbols - Keep it basic: Focus on the most important details and avoid too much clutter. - Example: "A star with points" is clearer than "a sparkling white star high up in the sky." - Avoid being vague: Try to be more descriptive than using general categories if an item is required - Example: For "fruit," ask for "a banana on a plate."

3. Well-defined design and colours - Definite designs: Clear black outlines add visual clarity. Symbols should look good even when small or in black and white. - Use colour carefully. Mention colours if they are important for each element or feature. - Example: "A round orange with a green leaf."

4. Concepts that avoid confusion - Be clear with difficult ideas. Abstract ideas like "choice" or "worship" can be hard to show. Use a description understood locally if possible. - Example: Instead of "worship," say "a man saying his prayers."

5. Representations that are personalised and localised - Use neutral images. Make sure the symbol means something to the individual and/or setting. - Example: Instead of “house” which may be two storey with three windows, a door and red roof say “square white bungalow with a blue sloping roof”.

6. Examples for Different Categories

- People/Emotions "A happy face with big eyes." "A sad face with a teardrop." "A calm face with closed eyes and a slight smile." "A face showing excitement with wide eyes and a big smile."

- Daily Activities "A person reading a book while sitting in a chair." "A person pointing to a glass of water." "A person holding a spoon and a bowl of soup." "A person raising their hand to ask a question."

- Actions "A person walking with a cane." "A hand holding a pencil, writing." "A person brushing their teeth with a toothbrush." "A child playing with a ball in a park."

- Defining the setting:__ "A Chinese man pointing to a glass of water." "An Indian woman holding a spoon and a bowl of soup." "A Thai child raising their hand to ask a question."

- Objects "A yellow mango with a green leaf." "A brown chair with four legs."

- Places "A hospital with a red crescent on the front." "A park with a bench under a tree."