6.1 | Image generation for non-designers: Quickly create visual content

In this final module of the Navigator level, we introduce you to a valuable productivity hack: the xpand Image Generator. This tool allows you to create high-quality images in seconds—without any design skills or external service providers.

The ability to generate exactly the image you need for your work not only saves time but also opens up new creative possibilities for your projects.

Basic Functions of the xpand Image Generator

The image generator offers various functions that can be optimally used for different purposes:

  • Text-based image creation through precise prompts
  • Selection of different art styles and visual aesthetics
  • Control over the format and aspect ratio of the created images
  • Ability to generate multiple variants at once
  • Reproducibility through seed values for consistent image series
Interface of the Xpand Image Generator

The xpand Image Generator with its most important control elements: prompt input (left), style presets (top right), and generated images (main area).

Note: The techniques presented here work similarly with other AI image generators such as DALL-E, Midjourney, or Stable Diffusion. However, the xpand Image Generator is optimized for this course and is directly available to you.

1. Effective Prompt Formulation

The quality of your prompts significantly determines the quality of the generated images. Here are proven techniques for better results:

Prompt Optimization:

  • Be precise and detailed—Describe exactly what should be visible in the image: objects, people, environment, lighting conditions, mood
  • Add style descriptions—e.g., „in the style of watercolor painting,“ „photorealistic,“ „minimalist illustration“
  • Mention important elements first—The order of the elements in the prompt influences their weight in the image
  • Use the „Optimize“ function—Let the image generator automatically improve your prompt if you are not satisfied with the results
  • Experiment with the „Metaphor“ option—Generate creative alternatives to your original idea

Example of a good prompt:

„A professional meeting room with modern technology, natural light through large windows, minimalist design, warm color palette, sharp details, corporate atmosphere, 16:9 format“

2. Use Style Presets Effectively

The predefined styles in the xpand Image Generator allow you to explore different visual aesthetics without having to formulate complex descriptions:

Style Preset Recommendations for Different Use Cases:

  • For presentations and business documents: Choose clear, realistic, or minimalist styles that look professional and do not distract from your content
  • For creative projects and marketing: Experiment with artistic, abstract, or stylized presets that attract attention
  • For technical documentation: Use presets with clean lines and good detail reproduction
  • For consistent image series: Stick to one preset for all related images

For even more control, you can choose a style preset as a starting point and make additional style adjustments in the prompt to refine the result.

3. Use Seed Values for Consistency

The seed value determines the random component of the image generation process. You can use this function strategically to create consistent image series:

Practical Application of Seed Values:

  • Reproducibility: Note the seed value for images you like—with the same prompt and seed, you will get identical results at any time
  • Image series with a uniform style: Use the same seed for all images in a series, varying only the image content in the prompt
  • A/B Testing: Compare different prompts with an identical seed to clearly see the impact of the prompt changes
  • Iterative Refinement: Start with a random seed, and if you like the basic aesthetics of an image, keep this seed and only optimize the prompt

Workflow Example:

  1. Generate an image with a random seed
  2. If you like the basic style, note the seed value (e.g., 427891)
  3. Create more images with the same seed, only adjusting the content
  4. Result: An image series with a uniform visual style
Seed value setting in the Xpand Image Generator

The seed parameter in the left menu allows control over the random component of the image generation.

4. Multi-Variant Generation for Efficiency

The ability to create multiple image variants at once significantly speeds up your creative process:

Efficient Work with Multiple Variants:

  • Accelerate brainstorming: Generate 4-10 variants of a concept to see different interpretations and gather inspiration
  • Save time: Instead of refining a single prompt multiple times, generate variants and choose the best one as a starting point
  • Optimize decision-making processes: Present stakeholders with multiple variants to choose from without additional time investment
  • Test aspect variations: Keep the same prompt but test different formats for different platforms (1:1 for social media, 16:9 for presentations)

Pro-tip: In case of creative block, generating multiple variants with a deliberately vague prompt can open up new perspectives that you would not have come up with yourself.

5. Integrate the Image Generator into Your Workflow

To get the maximum benefit from the xpand Image Generator, you should strategically integrate it into your workflows:

Include in the planning phase

Use the image generator already in the concept phase of a project to develop visual ideas and speed up feedback gathering.

Batch Processing

Set aside dedicated time for image generation instead of creating single images on the fly. In a 30-minute session, you can prepare material for several weeks.

Systematic Filing

Create a structured system for storing your generated images. Categorize by project, theme, and purpose. Document successful prompts and seed values for reuse.

Create a Prompt Library

Maintain a document with proven prompt structures for different image types. These templates will speed up your work and ensure consistent results.

Define Quality Standards

Set criteria by which you evaluate generated images. This will help you decide when an image is finished or should be further optimized.

Example Images with the xpand Image Generator

Example Image: Business Presentation Example Image: Creative Marketing Example Image: Technical Illustration

From left to right: A business concept image for presentations, a creative marketing image for social media, a technical illustration for documentation—all created with the xpand Image Generator.

Your Takeaway

  • Formulate detailed, specific prompts with clear style instructions for more precise results
  • Use style presets as a basis and supplement them with your own style instructions in the prompt
  • Use seed values strategically to create consistent image series and reproduce successful generations
  • Generate multiple variants at once to speed up decision-making processes and improve quality
  • Integrate the image generator systematically into your workflow with batch processing and structured filing