Technology and aesthetic advantages
Mr. John Nielsen, a technical expert of the American Automobile Association (AAA), said that in the digital age, touch screens are increasingly taking up the space of the car cabin, gradually replacing traditional physical buttons.
With a modern design, integrated multi-function and "smartphone-like" user experience, touchscreens have become the top choice of many manufacturers. However, not everyone agrees with this trend.
Sensory display reduces the number of buttons, which creates a more compact and sophisticated design, says John Nielsen. At the same time, software updates can improve the user experience without changing hardware.
In fact, for electric vehicles, where software plays a central role, touch screens become the main control vehicle. Tesla is a typical example of removing almost all traditional physics buttons.
Disadvantages of safety and operation
Although modern and flexible, touchscreens have been criticized for their safety. According to research by the VTI Transport Institute of Sweden, adjusting the air conditioner or changing the radio channel via the touch screen can cause the driver to lose focus compared to physical button control.
The problem is not technology, it is interaction, Marcus Karlsson, a transportation engineer at the University of Lund (Sweden), analyzed and added that when drivers have to look at the screen to find the right icon or menu, they will take their eyes off the road, which is very dangerous when traveling at high speeds.
The feel can cause difficulty in bright light, wet hands or when the user is wearing gloves. The lack of physical response makes it difficult for drivers to know whether they have operated correctly or not.
Combination is a trend
Recognizing both the advantages and disadvantages, many car manufacturers are now returning to the "push" philosophy: keeping some physical buttons for essential functions such as air conditioning, warning lights, volume adjustment; and less-used customizations will be integrated on the screen.
We believe that the best driving experience comes from the harmonious combination of new technology and human intuition, said a representative of German car company Audi in a recent press release.
The debate between touchscreens and physical buttons reflects the shift of the auto industry from mechanical to software. Although touch is a future trend, ensuring safety and convenience for users is still a top priority.
