Car Buyers Favor Physical Buttons as Touchscreens Fall Out of Favor, Says Hyundai
In a surprising shift, Hyundai is moving away from all-digital touchscreens in its vehicles, choosing instead to increase the number of traditional buttons. This move, which follows Toyota’s similar direction, stems from Hyundai’s research revealing that consumers prefer tactile controls for frequently used functions.
In recent years, touchscreens have become synonymous with modern, premium interiors. With everything from navigation to climate control housed in a sleek, single interface, these displays became a key selling point. Tesla, in particular, pioneered this trend by embedding a wide range of controls into its infotainment screens, even including the gear shifter. The convenience and visual appeal of touchscreens initially made them a popular choice, helping manufacturers reduce costs by eliminating numerous physical buttons.
However, Hyundai's latest studies found that this screen-centric approach poses a safety risk. Ha Hak-soo, Vice President of Hyundai Design North America, explained that embedding too many functions into a single display can stress and distract drivers. Hyundai's focus groups revealed that drivers often get frustrated when needing to access crucial controls quickly, leading to potential distractions.
The latest Hyundai models, like the Ioniq 5 and Tucson, now feature more traditional buttons than previous versions.
Here are the key reasons driving this shift back to physical controls:
Enhanced Safety: Tactile buttons allow drivers to access essential functions without taking their eyes off the road, unlike touchscreens that require visual attention.
Driver Satisfaction: Many drivers find that traditional buttons reduce stress, especially when trying to make adjustments quickly.
Intuitive Control: Physical buttons make it easier for drivers to locate specific functions, leading to a more intuitive and straightforward driving experience.
Despite this shift, touchscreens became popular for good reasons:
All-in-One Functionality: Touchscreens provide centralized access to navigation, audio, and other controls, enhancing convenience.
Visual Appeal: A large touchscreen elevates the aesthetic of a car’s interior, contributing to its premium feel.
Cost Efficiency for Automakers: Consolidating functions into a digital display reduces the need for individual buttons and controls, saving on manufacturing costs.
Hyundai’s pivot to traditional buttons suggests that other manufacturers might also revisit physical controls. As car makers look to balance safety, cost, and driver satisfaction, we might see interiors that blend touchscreens with intuitive, essential buttons, creating a balanced interface.
Ultimately, Hyundai’s decision shows that even in the tech-driven automotive world, practicality and driver experience still hold strong.
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