The Simplified Algorithms for User Learning (SAUL) Label

The Simplified Algorithms for User Learning (SAUL) label is an explainability label that features universal design elements, plain language at the 8th to 9th grade reading level, and familiar iconography from civil and technical engineering. SAUL also features a one-sentence explainer describing how the generative AI tool works. For more information, users can navigate to the asterisk above the sentence description to the SAUL website, which features a more detailed explanation of generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs) and generative adversarial networks (GANs).

The label is organized in three sections with corresponding widgets and icons: general information, information for safe use, and warnings. To communicate whether a particular widget is in use, the widget will become illuminated. When an icon is not illuminated there is not enough information to provide a definitive or reasonable answer. General information shows the classification of the tool (e.g., ‘generative pre-trained transformer’ or ‘generative adversarial network’), the state of use, the version currently in use, and an expiration date. The second section communicates necessary information for safe use, including the right to delete personal data, recommended age of use, and a one-sentence description of how to interact with the tool. The last section of the SAUL label features six different warnings, including the training of personal data for machine learning purposes, misinformation, bias, data leakage, and data broker involvement. Table 1 shows each of the three sections with detailed descriptions of the icons and their descriptions.

With the interview data, I created two prototype SAUL labels informed by the information that consumers want to know before signing up to use a generative AI tool. The labels are meant to appear before signing up for a service to inform potential users of the data policies at play. The information featured is written in accessible language for users of most educational backgrounds and utilizes a clean layout to ensure information can be easily scanned. For users who want more information on the label widgets, detailed information can be found on the SAUL website, accessible by clicking on widgets within the labels.