Volkswagen’s Bold Shift: Reintroducing Physical Controls to Enhance Driver Safety and Satisfaction

In a dramatic move against the industry trend of touchscreen-centered interfaces, Volkswagen announced it will introduce physical controls in its vehicles to push better user experience and prevent growing safety concerns.

Driver-Centric Design: The Return of Physical Controls

Volkswagen’s head of design, Andreas Mindt, acknowledged that replacing tactile buttons with touchscreen controls was a misstep. The upcoming Volkswagen ID.2all, an affordable electric model scheduled for release in Europe in 2026, will feature physical knobs and switches for essential functions such as volume adjustment, climate control, fan speed, and hazard lights. This design choice responds to customer feedback favoring intuitive and accessible controls.

Industry-Wide Reevaluation: Aligning Technology and Safety

Volkswagen’s action fits into a broader industry rethinking of touchscreen user interfaces. Studies have shown that complex touchscreen interfaces have the capacity to distract motorists, with their interactions diverting attention from the road for seconds. This distraction contributes to safety hazards, prompting demands for simpler, physical buttons. 

Regulatory Impact: Aligning with Safety Standards

European safety regulations now insist that vehicles feature physical controls for a minimum of five basic functions to qualify for a five-star safety rating. This regulatory insistence has encouraged car manufacturers such as Volkswagen to reconsider the exclusive use of touchscreens and opt instead for designs aimed at keeping motorists safe and following established standards. 

The Touchscreen vs. Physical Controls Debate Rages On

The touchscreen vs. physical controls battle continues, with some car leaders demanding smart digital solutions, like voice control, to limit the use of touchscreens. But there’s also a growing perception that a hybrid solution, which combines the user-friendliness of physical buttons with the intelligence of digital systems, may be the future of cars. 

Conclusion: A Shift Towards Intuitive and Safe Driving Experiences

Volkswagen’s return to physical controls is a significant step towards driver satisfaction and safety. In acknowledging the shortcomings of touchscreen screens and consumer grievance, Volkswagen and other automakers are moving towards designs that offer intuitive, accessible, and safe driving experiences. The shift is part of a larger trend in the auto industry to move towards meeting driver needs and regulatory needs with the aim of having technology support, rather than hinder, road safety.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to follow my whatsapp channel