Evaluation of a hand-held neutron detector for usability, design and comfort

Seven male first responders were surveyed about the usability, design, and comfort of a hand-held commercially available neutron detector. The primary goal of the questionnaire was to identify the positive and negative features, and evaluate what could be enhanced on new detectors. Some of the negative features found on the detector were that it was heavy, unbalanced, too big, and difficult to handle while wearing gloves. The first responders couldn't use the controls well while wearing gloves and the force required for the use of the controls is too hard. Using the recommendations given by the first responders, a future hand-held neutron detector will be designed and studies will be conducted after constructing several different physical prototypes.