Automakers Reintroducing Buttons into Car Interiors: A Shift Back to Customer Preferences
Introduction:
Automakers have been modernizing car interiors by replacing physical buttons and switches with sleek screens and minimalist dashboards. However, this design trend has frustrated consumers who prefer easy access to essential functions while driving. Aston Martin took a different approach by prioritizing customer preferences over the opinions of designers and engineers. The company assembled a team to determine which functions should have physical controls based on the “piss-off factor,” a metric measuring the frustration of having to navigate through menus for basic functions. As regulators in the European Union begin to penalize cars without physical controls for safety features, automakers are backpedaling and reintroducing buttons into their interiors to meet customer demands.
The Importance of Physical Controls in Car Interiors
– The “Piss-Off Factor” and the Need for Instant Access:
Aston Martin’s approach to determining which functions should have physical buttons highlighted the importance of instant access to essential features while driving. Design director Miles Nurnburger emphasized the frustration of having to search through menus for simple functions like temperature or volume control, which can disrupt the driving experience and safety.
– The Safety Concerns of Touchscreen-Only Interiors:
Touchscreen-only interiors pose safety risks as they lack the tactile familiarity that physical buttons provide. Drivers are forced to take their eyes off the road longer to perform basic functions, increasing the potential for accidents. Over-the-air updates that change the layout of screens further compound this issue, making it harder for drivers to navigate without physical controls.
Regulatory Response to Touchscreen-Only Interiors
– European Union Regulations on Physical Controls:
Regulators in the European Union are taking action against touch screen-only interiors by deducting safety points from car models that lack physical controls for essential safety features. While volume and temperature controls are not mandated, functions like the horn, turn signals, windshield wipers, and hazard lights are required to have physical buttons for better accessibility and driver safety.
Automakers’ Response to Consumer Feedback
– Hyundai, Lucid, Volkswagen, and BMW’s Approach:
Automakers like Hyundai, Lucid, Volkswagen, and BMW have responded to consumer feedback by reintroducing physical controls into their car interiors. Hyundai added buttons to the Ioniq 5, while Lucid retained specific physical controls based on customer preferences. Volkswagen admitted to the frustration caused by touchscreen-only cabins and promised to make improvements. BMW continued to include physical seat controls on the door in its Neue Klasse cabin, emphasizing the importance of user-friendly design.
– Aston Martin’s Cabin Design in the 2025 Vantage:
The 2025 Vantage features a cabin design that prioritizes easy access to essential functions with an array of physical buttons housed in an elegantly designed IP stack. The central tunnel also includes seat controls based on driver usage, highlighting the company’s commitment to customer-driven design. By incorporating physical controls into the interior, Aston Martin ensures a seamless driving experience that meets the needs and preferences of its customers.
In conclusion, the shift towards touch screen-only interiors in cars has led to consumer frustration and safety concerns. Automakers are now reintroducing physical buttons and switches into their cabin designs to address these issues and meet customer demands. By prioritizing instant access to essential functions and user-friendly design, companies like Aston Martin are setting a new standard for modern car interiors that balance innovation with practicality. As regulations continue to evolve, automakers will need to adapt their designs to ensure the safety and satisfaction of drivers on the road.