Volkswagen Brings Back Physical Buttons (caranddriver.com)

Article summary

Volkswagen has unveiled a new cockpit design for its electric vehicles, featuring a return to physical buttons and switchgear. The new design, showcased in the refreshed ID. Polo, marks a departure from the capacitive buttons used in current models. The change is seen as a response to customer preferences and a move away from the trend of using touchscreens for controls. The new design may debut in the US market with the upcoming refresh of the ID.4 SUV.

Main themes

• Volkswagen's new cockpit design
• Return to physical buttons
• Electric vehicle controls
• User interface design
• Automotive technology trends

What commenters say

• The return to physical buttons is a welcome change, as they provide a more tactile and intuitive user experience, especially for critical controls like temperature and defrosting.
• The use of touchscreens for controls can be distracting and unsafe while driving, and physical buttons are a safer alternative.
• Some commenters argue that the new design does not go far enough in providing a tactile experience, as the buttons are still part of a grid-based layout that requires looking at the controls.
• The aviation industry's use of physical buttons for critical controls is cited as an example of the importance of tactile interfaces in safety-critical applications.
• Others argue that the trend of removing buttons is driven by cost savings and aesthetics, rather than safety or user experience considerations.
• There is disagreement about the role of technology, such as voice recognition and AI, in improving the user experience of vehicle controls.
• Some commenters express skepticism about the need for a large number of buttons on the steering wheel, while others see it as a necessary compromise for safety and convenience.
• The design of vehicle controls should prioritize simplicity, intuitiveness, and safety, rather than following trends or trying to mimic other industries, such as the tech industry.