Summary
- European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) will require physical controls for 5 key car functions
- Volkswagen is moving back to physical controls after focusing too much on touchscreens
- Volkswagen will have physical buttons for volume, heating, fans, and hazard lights in all cars going forward
- Volkswagen’s focus is on keeping drivers’ eyes on the road by prioritizing common functions for physical controls
- Touchscreens will still play a role in delivering certain capabilities, with the backup camera feed becoming a required feature
Article
Volkswagen is making changes to its car designs by incorporating more physical controls for essential functions after the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) announced new regulations requiring physical controls for key functions such as the horn, windshield wipers, turn signals, emergency flashers, and SOS features. The move by Volkswagen to reintroduce physical controls comes after the company had previously focused too much on touchscreen controls. Chief of design Andreas Mindt highlighted the importance of physical buttons for functions like volume control, heating, fans, and hazard lights. This shift signifies a move towards a safer and more user-friendly driving experience.
It is unclear whether Euro NCAP influenced Volkswagen’s decision to bring back physical controls or if it was a coincidental response to market demand. Volkswagen seems to be prioritizing commonly used features like volume control, heating, and fans over emergency functions, as indicated by the differences between Euro NCAP’s list and Volkswagen’s focus on basic functions that drivers frequently need while on the road. The intent behind this shift is to ensure that drivers can manage these functions without taking their eyes off the road. The emphasis on physical controls for everyday functions suggests that Volkswagen is striving to strike a balance between touchscreens and traditional controls for a more intuitive driving experience.
The Volkswagen ID. 2all is the first model to incorporate these changes, signaling a new design direction for the company. Despite the return to physical controls for vital functions, touchscreens still play a significant role in modern car designs, especially for features like the backup camera feed. As technology advances, touchscreens are becoming more integrated into car interfaces, but Volkswagen’s decision to prioritize physical controls for essential functions indicates a deliberate effort to enhance driver safety and user experience. By ensuring that key functions are easily accessible through physical buttons, Volkswagen aims to create a more user-friendly and intuitive driving environment.
In addition to ensuring that essential functions are easily accessible through physical controls, Volkswagen is also making strides in incorporating modern technology into its vehicles. The shift towards a more balanced approach to touchscreen and physical controls reflects Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. By adapting to changing market trends and regulatory requirements, Volkswagen is positioning itself as a leader in automotive design and technology. The focus on user experience and safety underscores Volkswagen’s dedication to providing reliable and user-friendly vehicles that meet the needs of today’s drivers.
Overall, Volkswagen’s decision to prioritize physical controls for essential functions in its vehicles reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry towards a more user-centric and intuitive driving experience. By incorporating physical buttons for key functions like volume control, heating, and hazard lights, Volkswagen is responding to market demand for safer and more user-friendly car designs. The company’s commitment to striking a balance between touchscreens and physical controls showcases its dedication to enhancing driver safety and convenience. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Volkswagen’s approach to design and technology sets a new standard for modern car interfaces and user experience.
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