Summary
- Hyundai is moving away from all-screen interior design due to consumer preference for physical buttons
- Focus groups found that people were stressed and annoyed when trying to control features through touchscreen
- The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a redesigned switchgear panel on the center console
- European New Car Assessment Programme stated automakers need physical buttons to get a five-star safety rating
- Touchscreen controls in cars have been criticized for being distracting and inconvenient, leading to a push for physical buttons.
Article
Hyundai Shifts Away from All-Screen Interior Design
Hyundai Design North America Vice President Ha Hak-soo recently announced that the automaker is moving away from the all-screen approach to interior design in response to feedback from focus groups. People have expressed frustration with touchscreen controls, especially when trying to access common features like climate control while driving. Hyundai is now looking to reintroduce physical buttons in their upcoming cars, starting with the facelifted Ioniq 5.
Rationale Behind Hyundai’s Touchscreen Design
Hyundai, like many other automakers, initially adopted the all-touchscreen approach in response to the popularity of Tesla’s large multimedia systems. However, the company soon realized that this design was causing stress and annoyance among users. Focus groups conducted by Hyundai Design North America revealed that people prefer physical buttons for certain controls, leading the company to reconsider its interior design strategy.
The Role of Euro NCAP in Shifting Auto Design Trends
Euro NCAP, a renowned safety rating organization, recently announced that automakers will be required to incorporate physical buttons for certain functions in their vehicles starting in 2026. This mandate aims to improve safety and reduce distractions for drivers. By adhering to these guidelines, automakers can enhance the user experience and potentially achieve a higher safety rating.
Benefits of Physical Controls in Cars
While touchscreen controls can offer a sleek and modern aesthetic, they can also be distracting and cumbersome to use while driving. Physical buttons and knobs provide a tactile and intuitive way to adjust settings such as temperature and audio volume without taking your eyes off the road. By reverting to traditional controls, automakers like Hyundai aim to enhance convenience and safety for drivers and passengers.
Implications for the Future of Automotive Interior Design
The shift towards physical controls in automotive interior design reflects a broader trend in the industry towards prioritizing user experience and safety. By incorporating physical buttons alongside touchscreen interfaces, automakers can offer a more balanced and user-friendly approach to cockpit design. This evolution underscores the importance of soliciting feedback from customers and incorporating their preferences into product development.
Conclusion
Hyundai’s decision to move away from an all-screen interior design in favor of physical controls reflects a growing recognition of the limitations of touchscreen interfaces in cars. By acknowledging the preferences and concerns of drivers, automakers can create a more engaging and user-friendly experience for users. The upcoming shift towards physical controls in Hyundai vehicles signals a broader industry trend towards prioritizing safety and usability in automotive design.
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