Volkswagen has taken a step back to reintroduce physical buttons in its vehicles. The German automaker acknowledged that its decision to eliminate traditional controls in favor of touchscreens was a misstep, frustrating many customers who found the digital interface less intuitive and harder to use while driving.
The push toward touchscreen-heavy dashboards was initially seen as a leap forward in car technology. Large digital displays were marketed as sleek, modern, and feature-rich, mirroring the smartphone experience. However, manufacturers soon realized that replacing essential controls with touchscreens created new challenges, particularly for drivers who needed quick and reliable access to vital functions such as climate control, volume adjustment, and cruise control.
Volkswagen’s head of design, Andreas Mindt, candidly admitted that the shift to a touchscreen control interface on the steering wheel was a failure. Speaking to Autocar, Mindt said, “We will never, ever make this mistake any more. On the steering wheel, we will have physical buttons. No guessing any more. There’s feedback, it’s real, and people love this.”
One of the main criticisms of touch-based controls in vehicles is the lack of tactile feedback. Unlike smartphones, where users can afford to glance at the screen frequently, driving requires maintaining focus on the road. Physical buttons allow drivers to adjust settings by feel, reducing distractions and improving safety. Many customers found touch-based controls not only cumbersome but also prone to accidental activation or requiring multiple attempts to register commands.
Volkswagen’s decision to revert to physical buttons reflects a broader industry trend. Other automakers, including Toyota and Hyundai, have also started incorporating more physical controls in response to consumer demand. While digital interfaces remain crucial for infotainment and navigation, manufacturers now recognize the importance of balancing technology with usability.
As the automotive industry moves forward, Volkswagen’s return to physical buttons serves as a reminder that innovation should enhance, not complicate, the driving experience. By listening to customer feedback, the company is making a strategic move to improve both functionality and user satisfaction in its vehicles.
