The digitalization of the automotive industry has been a thing for the last several years, and most cars nowadays feature touch screens and touch-sensitive controls. One of the largest automakers in the world, Volkswagen was one of the manufacturers that latched onto this trend, adding capacitive touch buttons to the interiors of its vehicles. But after getting plenty of feedback from customers and critics, Volkswagen has decided to step back a little and will be reintroducing physical controls in its upcoming models.

Steering away from touch controls

To get their vehicle cabins into line with the era of modern vehicles, Volkswagen equipped a number of new models with touch-sensitive controls. These controls were especially true in steering wheels, climate control systems, and infotainment functions. The shift was intended to create a sleeker, futuristic feel, and minimize clutter in dash and center consoles.

We like the clear and uncluttered look of control buttons but touch controls are a double-edged sword. But many drivers found them less intuitive, requiring people to take their eyes off the road to adjust basic settings. Mood lighting in the cockpit greatly contributes to that, of course, but so do touch controls — as opposed to traditional physical buttons that can be easily located by feel, touch controls require more precise interaction, hence raising the level of distraction. However, the downside is that as they are touch-sensitive, accidental inputs happen more easily, inadvertently changing settings that might otherwise be setup, especially when driving which can be infuriating.

Customer Backlash and Safety Woes

Volkswagen’s move back to physical controls was customer-driven, in large part. Both VW owners and car journalists criticized the touch-based controls, especially the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. Some complaints included no tactile feedback, inability to adjust settings via touch while driving and controls not being sensitive enough or being far too sensitive.

Safety groups and driving experts have also raised concerns over how these controls affect a driver’s focus. Touch-sensitive controls have been determined in studies to need more visual attention than traditional buttons, making it more likely that the driver will be distracted. Fortunately, road safety is today’s top priority for automakers, which is why the Volkswagen board knew it had to respond.

Volkswagen’s Answer: The Comeback of Physical Controls

Addresses these complaints, Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer revealed in 2023 his vision to remove touch-sensitive buttons in future models in favor of physical controls. Schäfer admitted that customer feedback was a key part of this decision, which he also said reiterates Volkswagen’s dedic…

All part of Volkswagen’s plan for a current and future nameplate rollout such as the Golf, Tiguan, and Passat. This will make it much easier for the driver to control the car without any undue distractions, given that the controls for climate control, audio volume, and steering wheel controls will only be located in public-facing areas of the car.

The Industry Trend-Walking the Tightrope

Volkswagen isn’t the only carmaker also reconsidering physical controls. While some manufacturers have already gone with the more touchscreen-based control method, others are now reconsidering their strategies. And certain automakers, like BMW and Honda, have taken the opportunity to put physical controls back in after the touchscreen boom, for user-friendliness.

This transition sheds light on the persistent tension between innovation and practicality in automotive design. These digital interfaces clearly have a high-tech appeal, but they are not immune from ensuring usability and safety. So for the car makers, the fine line is between the tech of today, and what it takes to still make driving meaningful.

Hybrid Interfaces: The Future of Car Controls?

As Volkswagen turns the dial back to physical buttons, the question is: What’s the future of in-car controls? Most experts expect hybrids — a touches-plus-buttons interface — to become the industry default. This would enable automakers to provide a contemporary look while keeping the convenience and simplicity of operation that physical buttons deliver.

Additionally, voice control and gesture-based technology are evolving as hands-free alternatives for making in-car adjustments. But these technologies are still maturing, and many drivers appreciate the tactile reliability of physical buttons. Until the touch and voice control systems reach the same level of ease and safety in their usage as the traditional interfaces, they aren’t going away in vehicle design.

Consumers Win

The automaker’s decision to bring back physical controls signals a significant change in the automotive landscape. It shows that when it comes to innovation user experience and safety should always take precedence integrated. Volkswagen is keeping the practicality, safety and driving experience of its vehicles up to date by responding to customer feedback and making any necessary changes.

It is good news for motorists who prefer ease of use, and could pave the way for other automakers to rethink their use of touch-sensitive interfaces. As it grows the balance between technology and usability will keep on impacting how we design cars in the future.