Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
Neutron Radiography and Computed Tomography of Biological Systems at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor
Published on: May 7, 2021
User-centered evaluation of handle shape and size and input controls for a neutron detector
Scarlett R Herring1, Pamela Castillejos, M Susan Hallbeck
1Innovative Design and Ergonomic Analysis Laboratory, Industrial and Management Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA.
Abstract:
Current neutron detectors are big, heavy, difficult to use and are not ergonomically designed. Good handle design and easy to use control mechanisms are imperative for comfort, usability and accuracy for hand-held tools. Two studies were performed to assess these factors; Study I explored handle design (shape and size) preference and Study II evaluated the effects of control mechanisms, device orientations and word orientation on performance time. According to research findings, the recommended handle perimeter is 11 cm with a diameter range of 3.5-4.0 cm. These results demonstrated that as the handle perimeter decreased the handle becomes less preferred by first responders when using layered gloves. For control type, the fastest performance time was found with vertical push buttons and a vertical word orientation. These objective results matched the subjective results, which showed that the most preferred controller was a vertical push button control.
