By: Blair Qualey
Coinciding with the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles, the dashboard has gone through quite a revolution over the last decade, particularly when it comes to utilizing touch screen controls over more traditional, analog options. Gone were the days of knobs and buttons, it would seem — until recently, with many automakers now embracing a return to the classic, tactile options of years past.
Touch screens offer flexibility, sleek styling, and the ability to house multiple functions in one place, much like how smartphones have combined and replaced many pocket-sized gadgets of the past. But for many drivers, especially those navigating BC’s busy urban roads or winding rural highways, the convenience of a screen has its limits.
There’s no denying that touchscreens have helped modernize the in-cabin experience. They save space, reduce clutter, and offer smartphone-style interfaces that appeal to tech-savvy drivers. For automakers, they also make it easier to issue software updates and introduce new features without requiring all-new hardware.
But the trade-off is usability. Unlike a traditional volume knob or temperature dial, touchscreens often require more concentration, which means more time looking away from the road. A recent study from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) found that physical controls are consistently safer for common in-car tasks, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road longer and respond more quickly.
According to recent reporting from “This is Money”, in response to these concerns — and partially due to customer demand — many carmakers are bringing back physical controls in key areas. Volkswagen, Hyundai, and Mazda are just a few examples of manufacturers that have reintroduced buttons for climate control, audio volume, and seat settings.
Even enthusiast collectors like famous architect Norman Foster have weighed in, noting that while technology is important, the driving experience should prioritize simplicity and intuitive design, especially at higher speeds or in emergency situations.
But why sacrifice the benefits of one for the other? Rather than choosing one style over the other, some automakers are opting for a hybrid layout: touchscreens for navigation and entertainment and physical buttons for essential controls like fan speed, hazard lights, and defrost. This approach combines the flexibility of digital with the tactile satisfaction of analog buttons.
At the end of the day, intelligent and practical design is ultimately more important than chasing trends or looking slick. The majority of drivers want systems that are simple, easy to use, and don’t compromise safety.
Whether you’re browsing for a new vehicle or adjusting to a different setup in a loaner or rental, dashboard design plays a big role in your everyday driving experience. Some buyers may gravitate toward sleek, all-digital layouts. Others may prefer the familiarity of buttons and dials especially in BC where distracted driving can be costly, like on forestry roads, winding mountain passes, and the good ‘ol Sea-to-Sky.
As automakers continue to refine their in-car tech, the trend is clear: user-friendly design is back in style, and buttons might just be the feature you didn’t know you missed.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
