Car makers are finally listening to safety regulators as crash tests show a trend towards physical buttons on control panels.
In the automotive world, design trends come and go, but a recent push to ditch buttons in favor of touchscreens is gaining traction - or rather, losing momentum. Many drivers have complained about the switch from traditional controls like knobs, dials, and sliders to digital interfaces that leave little room for error.
A couple of years ago, safety regulators began cracking down on cars with unnecessary digital features that distracted drivers while behind the wheel. The European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) started deducting points for vehicles without adequate controls that could be operated by a single hand or foot. Similarly, Australia's Automotive Safety Rating Scheme has also begun requiring turn signals, hazard lights, windshield wipers, horns, and SOS features like eCall to have physical switches.
As a result of these regulations, car makers are now being asked to either include traditional buttons for critical functions or reserve a portion of the dashboard screen for primary controls. While many automakers have resisted this trend in the past, some are finally taking heed. Porsche, known for its love of digital interfaces, has even brought back physical buttons on some models.
However, not everyone is pleased with these changes. Some argue that the switch from traditional controls is driven more by aesthetics than safety concerns. A design expert once complained about the use of piano black trim in cars, saying it scratched and showed every speck of dust and lint. But safety regulators disagree, citing studies showing that physical buttons can be safer and easier to use.
As of 2026, this trend towards physical buttons is expected to continue. The industry may have finally caught on to the importance of safety in design.
In the automotive world, design trends come and go, but a recent push to ditch buttons in favor of touchscreens is gaining traction - or rather, losing momentum. Many drivers have complained about the switch from traditional controls like knobs, dials, and sliders to digital interfaces that leave little room for error.
A couple of years ago, safety regulators began cracking down on cars with unnecessary digital features that distracted drivers while behind the wheel. The European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP) started deducting points for vehicles without adequate controls that could be operated by a single hand or foot. Similarly, Australia's Automotive Safety Rating Scheme has also begun requiring turn signals, hazard lights, windshield wipers, horns, and SOS features like eCall to have physical switches.
As a result of these regulations, car makers are now being asked to either include traditional buttons for critical functions or reserve a portion of the dashboard screen for primary controls. While many automakers have resisted this trend in the past, some are finally taking heed. Porsche, known for its love of digital interfaces, has even brought back physical buttons on some models.
However, not everyone is pleased with these changes. Some argue that the switch from traditional controls is driven more by aesthetics than safety concerns. A design expert once complained about the use of piano black trim in cars, saying it scratched and showed every speck of dust and lint. But safety regulators disagree, citing studies showing that physical buttons can be safer and easier to use.
As of 2026, this trend towards physical buttons is expected to continue. The industry may have finally caught on to the importance of safety in design.
! I mean, it makes total sense that physical buttons are better for drivers, especially when you're driving and can't be messing around with a touchscreen while navigating through traffic 
. I've had my fair share of frustrating experiences with touchscreens in the car, like when my kid keeps trying to swipe at something she shouldn't be 
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. And yeah, I can see why they'd want to make sure drivers can focus on the road first and foremost. Let's hope this trend keeps going and we don't go back to those touchscreen controls anytime soon 
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, about them digital interfaces and all that jazz. I mean, don't get me wrong, tech's cool and all, but when it comes to drivin', you need somethin' you can trust with your life, ya know? Them buttons on the dashboard, knobs, and dials - they're just easier to use, especially for old folks or people with disabilities. And safety regulators are onto that 
, so it's about time car makers started listenin'. Porsche bringin' back physical buttons is a nice touch too, shows 'em know what's up 
. Now, I'm not one to complain about design trends, but this time around, I think it's all about balance - you can have style and safety 
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. It's just common sense that we need controls that can be operated with one hand or foot while driving - it's a no-brainer, really 
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. It's great to see the industry finally catching up on this one! Can't wait to see more cars with traditional controls 
. Can't wait to see Porsche (and others) bring back physical buttons on some models - yay for practicality! 
Those physical buttons are back in, and rightly so! I've had my fair share of fiddling with those digital things while on the road and it's just not worth it. And yeah, Porsche bringing back physical buttons is a nice change - maybe they're getting a bit older and wiser 
. Can't say I mind seeing more knobs and dials on cars again... it's all about safety first, right?