Automakers globally are progressively reverting to their previous strategy of incorporating physical buttons in vehicles. After nearly ten years of the frustrating trend of integrating most vehicle functions into a touchscreen interface, manufacturers have recognized that this approach is less effective than providing dedicated physical controls for essential tasks. This shift has been driven by consumer feedback regarding the drawbacks of touchscreens, which can be distracting and hazardous. Volkswagen, a prominent player in the automotive industry, is also set to reintroduce physical buttons in its upcoming models.

The German automotive giant initially embraced the trend of touchscreen technology in its vehicles. However, it has recently aligned itself with other manufacturers in moving back to physical controls. Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen's design chief, expressed to the British automotive magazine Autocar UK that the decision to centralize most functions within a touchscreen was a misstep, and the company is now reversing this trend.

Mindt indicated that starting with the Volkswagen ID.2all, the company will include physical buttons for the five most critical functions: volume adjustment, heating controls for each side of the vehicle, fan operation, and the hazard light, all positioned below the screen. He emphasized, “These will be present in every vehicle we produce from now on. We will not repeat this error. Physical buttons will also be featured on the steering wheel. There will be no ambiguity. The feedback is tangible, and consumers appreciate this. Ultimately, it is a car, not a smartphone.”

This decision arises from the necessity for vehicles to adhere to the new Euro NCAP standards, which require the inclusion of physical buttons for the five specified functions. These standards will influence safety ratings beginning in 2026. Vehicles lacking physical controls for the horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, hazard lights, and SOS functions will not be eligible for the highest five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests starting next year.

Volkswagen has encountered significant backlash for its implementation of touchscreens for various vehicle functions. Furthermore, the manufacturer has exacerbated the user experience for drivers by incorporating haptic panels on the steering wheel in place of traditional buttons. These panels can inadvertently activate different functions if touched accidentally by the driver. Additionally, the responsiveness of these haptic controls may not always meet the driver's expectations.

The rising manufacturing costs have significantly influenced this trend. Automakers recognize the necessity of integrating a large touchscreen in modern vehicles to appeal to consumers. It is often more efficient and cost-effective to consolidate all controls into a single screen rather than to source and install a diverse array of physical buttons. Tesla pioneered this trend with the original Model S, featuring an expansive screen that rendered traditional designs obsolete. However, despite its initial success, automakers are now facing growing criticism from consumers regarding the use of touchscreens.

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