The End of the Touchscreen Era in Cars: Buttons are Returning
The EU and China are reversing the trend of touchscreens in cars due to safety concerns, urging manufacturers to reconsider using physical buttons for key vehicle functions.
The article discusses a significant shift in the automotive industry regarding the use of touchscreens in vehicles, particularly led by the European Union and China. There have been growing concerns that an over-reliance on touchscreens distracts drivers and increases the risk of accidents. Experts argue that as drivers spend more time navigating through touch-screen menus for basic vehicle controls, their attention is diverted from the road, creating potential hazards, especially in emergency situations.
In response to these safety issues, both Europe and China are pushing for regulations that would compel manufacturers to incorporate physical buttons for key functions within vehicles. Key figures in the industry highlight that rapidly developing technology often overlooks critical aspects of human behavior, such as the need for quick and intuitive interface design that minimizes distraction while driving.
Consequently, changes are already underway in Europe, where stricter criteria from the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) are being introduced to evaluate the safety of new vehicles. These new standards aim to promote designs that prioritize driver focus and reduce risks associated with digital distractions. The return of buttons could mark a pivotal moment in the evolution of in-car technology, balancing innovation with safety considerations.