For years, automakers have been pushing digital interfaces in vehicles, replacing traditional physical buttons with sleek, touchscreen-based controls. Volkswagen, however, is making a bold move by reversing this trend, bringing back physical buttons for key functions in all its vehicles. This decision highlights a shift in the automotive industry, where convenience and aesthetics are taking a backseat to safety and practicality.
Why Is Volkswagen Reintroducing Physical Buttons?
Volkswagen’s design chief, Andreas Mindt, recently admitted that the company’s decision to eliminate physical buttons in favor of touchscreens was “a mistake.” While touchscreens have become the norm in modern car interiors, many drivers have expressed frustration with their usability, particularly while driving. Unlike smartphones, which can be operated while stationary, vehicles require intuitive controls, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
With this in mind, Volkswagen is bringing back physical controls for volume, heating, fan speed, and hazard lights, starting with its upcoming ID.2all EV. The company acknowledges that tactile buttons offer a more natural and safer user experience, allowing drivers to adjust key settings without taking their focus away from driving.
Safety Concerns and Driver Distraction
One of the primary reasons behind this move is safety. Studies have shown that using a touchscreen while driving can be more distracting than using traditional physical controls. Unlike physical buttons, which can be located and operated by feel, touchscreen controls require drivers to take their eyes off the road.
A study conducted by the Swedish car magazine Vi Bilägare found that performing simple tasks, such as adjusting the volume or climate control, took significantly longer on touchscreen-based systems compared to four-wheelers with physical controls. The extra time spent navigating menus on a touchscreen increases the risk of accidents, making a strong case for Volkswagen’s decision to reintroduce buttons.
The Industry Trend – A Shift Back to Buttons?
Volkswagen is not the only car company reconsidering its approach to vehicle controls. Hyundai, for instance, has announced plans to maintain physical buttons for essential functions, emphasizing their ease of use and reliability. Tesla, a pioneer in touchscreen-based interiors, has also started adding some physical controls back into its newer models after facing criticism about usability and driver distraction.
The shift is not just a matter of customer preference – it is also becoming a regulatory concern. European regulators are set to require physical buttons for essential functions in new cars by 2026 to ensure they meet top safety ratings. This means automakers will have no choice but to integrate traditional controls alongside digital interfaces to comply with these safety standards.
The Downsides of Touchscreen-Only Controls
The push for touchscreen controls in modern cars initially came from the desire for a cleaner, more minimalist interior. With a reduced number of buttons, carmakers could create futuristic-looking dashboards that resembled high-tech devices. However, this approach came with several disadvantages:
- Increased driver distraction – Navigating menus on a touchscreen requires more attention than pressing a physical button.
- Lack of tactile feedback – Drivers must visually confirm their inputs instead of relying on muscle memory.
- Complexity and learning curve – Many touchscreen interfaces are not intuitive, forcing users to spend more time learning how to operate them.
- Malfunctions and lag – Unlike mechanical buttons, touchscreens can suffer from software glitches or delays, leading to frustration and inefficiency.
How Does Volkswagen’s Decision Affect Future Models?
The shift toward digital controls gained momentum over a decade ago with the Tesla Model S, which featured a strikingly large central touchscreen. Over time, Tesla phased out many physical controls, including the transmission and turn signal stalks. However, the latter has made a comeback in the latest Model Y and could potentially return to the Model 3.
Volkswagen’s decision to bring back physical buttons is set to influence the design of its future models. The ID.2all EV will be the first to incorporate this change, and other upcoming vehicles are expected to follow suit. This move could set a precedent for other car manufacturers, encouraging them to rethink their approach to interior design.
The change also signals a balance between modern technology and practical usability. While digital displays and infotainment systems will still play a crucial role in car interiors, they will be complemented by tactile buttons for functions that require quick access.
What This Means for the Automotive Industry – Regulatory Push vs. Industry Innovation
The return of physical buttons in Volkswagen four-wheelers marks a significant shift in the industry’s approach to vehicle controls. For years, car manufacturers have been in a race to modernize dashboards with touchscreens, but this decision suggests that there is still a strong need for traditional controls in key areas.
Volkswagen’s decision to reintroduce physical buttons comes at a pivotal moment, as the EU’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) is set to implement new regulations next year. These rules will require vehicles to include specific physical controls to qualify for a full five-star safety rating.
This move also contrasts with the perspective of some industry leaders, such as Rivian’s software chief, Wassy Bensaid. He has described in-car buttons as outdated and believes that, soon, vehicle controls will be entirely digital, relying on voice commands.
Final Balancing Technology and Practicality – The Future of Car Interiors
Volkswagen’s decision to reintroduce physical buttons is a welcome move for many drivers who have struggled with the drawbacks of touchscreen-only controls. While digital interfaces will continue to evolve, the return of buttons for essential functions ensures a safer and more intuitive driving experience.
As other automakers and regulatory bodies take note of this shift, the future of interiors may see a more balanced integration of technology and practicality. In the end, a four-wheeler is not a smartphone – it is a vehicle designed for the road, and its controls should prioritize safety above all else.
