The Return of the Button: How Car Interiors Are Prioritizing Safety Over Sleekness
For years, the automotive industry has been on a quest for minimalist interiors, largely driven by the allure of large touchscreen displays. But a growing chorus of safety concerns, backed by research and regulatory bodies, is signaling a significant shift. We’re on the cusp of seeing physical buttons make a major comeback in our cars – and it’s about time.
The Distraction Dilemma: Why Touchscreens Became a Problem
The core issue isn’t the technology itself, but how it’s implemented. Studies consistently demonstrate that interacting with a touchscreen while driving significantly increases driver distraction. A 2023 report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that completing a simple task like entering a destination into a navigation system on a touchscreen could take drivers’ eyes off the road for an average of 24 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
This isn’t just theoretical. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been investigating the role of driver-vehicle interaction in crashes for years. Their data shows a clear correlation between complex infotainment systems and increased near-crash events. The problem is exacerbated by the increasing complexity of these systems – controlling everything from climate control to radio stations to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) through layers of menus.
Did you know? Volvo was one of the first automakers to publicly acknowledge the issue, announcing in 2023 a commitment to reducing touchscreen reliance in future vehicles.
New Regulations: A Global Push for Safer Car Interiors
The tide is turning, and regulatory bodies are taking notice. Australia’s ANCAP and Europe’s Euro NCAP are leading the charge, announcing stricter safety standards that will come into effect in 2026. These standards will mandate the inclusion of physical controls for essential functions like headlights, windshield wipers, and the horn.
This isn’t simply about adding a few buttons back. Euro NCAP’s updated protocols will now assess the safety of a vehicle’s interior design as part of its overall safety rating. Crash tests will be complemented by evaluations of how easily and safely drivers can access critical controls without taking their eyes off the road. This holistic approach will incentivize manufacturers to prioritize usability and safety in their interior designs.
Beyond the Basics: What Else Can We Expect?
The return of physical controls is likely to extend beyond the mandated functions. Automakers are exploring innovative solutions like:
- Haptic Feedback Systems: These systems provide tactile confirmation when a touchscreen button is pressed, mimicking the feel of a physical button.
- Voice Control Improvements: While not a perfect solution, advancements in natural language processing are making voice control more reliable and intuitive.
- Rotary Dials and Knobs: These offer a more precise and tactile way to adjust settings compared to swiping on a touchscreen. BMW has been a long-time proponent of the iDrive rotary controller, and other manufacturers are revisiting similar concepts.
- Heads-Up Displays (HUDs): Projecting critical information onto the windshield allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
We’re also likely to see a resurgence in the use of steering wheel-mounted controls, allowing drivers to adjust frequently used functions without ever taking their hands off the wheel.
Pro Tip: When purchasing a new vehicle, prioritize a model with a well-designed interior that balances technology with usability. Don’t be swayed by flashy touchscreens if they compromise safety.
The Impact on Automotive Design
This shift will have a ripple effect on automotive design. Manufacturers will need to rethink their interior layouts, finding ways to integrate physical controls seamlessly without sacrificing the overall aesthetic. Expect to see a move away from completely blank surfaces and a return to more textured and tactile designs.
This isn’t necessarily a step backward. It’s an opportunity to create car interiors that are both technologically advanced and genuinely user-friendly. The goal isn’t to eliminate touchscreens entirely, but to use them strategically – for less critical functions – and to supplement them with physical controls for essential tasks.
FAQ
Q: Will all touchscreens disappear from cars?
A: No. Touchscreens will likely remain for features like navigation and entertainment, but their role will be reduced for critical vehicle functions.
Q: When will I see these changes in new cars?
A: The new regulations take effect in 2026, so you’ll start seeing changes in models released in late 2025 and 2026.
Q: Are older cars with touchscreens unsafe?
A: Not necessarily, but drivers should be mindful of the potential for distraction and avoid complex interactions while driving.
Q: Will this affect the price of new cars?
A: Potentially, as redesigning interiors and incorporating physical controls can add to manufacturing costs.
Q: Where can I find more information about vehicle safety ratings?
A: Visit the websites of ANCAP (https://www.ancap.com.au/) and Euro NCAP (https://www.euroncap.com/).
What are your thoughts on the return of physical buttons in cars? Share your opinion in the comments below! For more insights into automotive safety and technology, explore our other articles here. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates!
