Car safety experts and drivers have long been concerned about the usability of touchscreens in vehicles. If you have tried to use one while driving, you know why.
Many people prefer the simplicity of traditional buttons. Over the past 30-plus years, digital displays have replaced tactile knobs and buttons, leading to concerns about increased distracted driving and lower usability levels. However, there are signs that tactile controls might be making a bit of a comeback.
Hyundai, among other carmakers like Porsche and Volkswagen, is shifting back to physical buttons. Hyundai Design North America’s Vice President has highlighted that customer feedback indicated stress and frustration with touchscreen controls. This reflects a broader trend of “screen fatigue” among car buyers.
Touchscreens in cars date back to the 1986 Buick Riviera and have since evolved to control numerous vehicle functions. Despite their potential for customization and centralized control, a JD Power survey revealed a significant decline in user satisfaction due to the complexity of touch-based systems. Many drivers find touchscreens too complicated and prefer more intuitive physical controls.
To make simple changes to functions like cabin temperature, sound volume, etc., it takes focus away from driving, and in comparison to tactile controls, more time.
Research also indicates that touchscreens can pose safety risks. A 2017 study by the AAA Foundation found that using in-car touchscreens for navigation and other features distracted drivers visually and mentally for an average of 40 seconds. Physical buttons, on the other hand, provide tactile feedback that allows drivers to operate controls without taking their eyes off the road.
While some carmakers like GM, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz continue to prioritize large touchscreens, others are listening to customer feedback and reintroducing physical buttons to improve usability and safety. This shift highlights the ongoing debate over the best way to balance modern technology with user-friendly design in vehicles.
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