Improving Neutron Detection: Usability Analysis of Control Mechanisms and Control Orientations for Use in Hand-Held Devices

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the best control mechanism for a hand-held neutron detector testing three control mechanisms (blister buttons, push-buttons and a single-axis rocker) and two control mechanism orientations (vertical and horizontal). A simple menu-selection task, based on the current neutron detector, was conducted to evaluate the prototypes and determine the most efficient combination of control mechanisms and handle shapes. The most efficient combination was based on the lowest error rate and movement time. The results of this investigation found support for the horizontally oriented controls. In addition, blister buttons were found to be the best control mechanism (lowest error) out of the three control mechanisms tested. Blister buttons should have a diameter of at least 1.3 cm and provide tactile feedback to the first responder in order to enhance user performance.

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