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CDA
April 4, 2023
Hyundai will continue betting on the physical buttons inside the cars in front of the tactile controls.
Gradually, but inexorably, the disappearance of physical buttons in car interiors is becoming the norm in favor of touch displays. Perhaps it is a matter of costs or modernity, but what seems clear is that it is the trend in the automotive industry and, despite some detractors (the most purists), others seem convinced of this evolution.
Those who are against it are supported by the flag of road safety, affirming that some operations that we carry out with these tactile buttons would be simpler and less dangerous with a physical button.
Better for safety behind the wheel
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At the same time, the oldest driversand less accustomed to technology, do not quite get used to these digital configurations.
Some automakers, who had even made a wholesale shift to “everything digital,” they have started to back off, promising to bring back the buttons, as is the case with Volkswagen, for example. Others, however, support a resistance to this evolution (or should we call it involution).
This is the case of Hyundai, which, through its head of Design, has reiterated its commitment to keep the physical buttons in their vehicles for essential functions, at least in the short term.
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The Korean brand’s chief designer, Sang Yup Lee, has explained that the decision to keep the buttons is largely due to safety considerations. In a recent meeting with European journalists, the manager pointed out that the firm has relied heavily on traditional buttons in recent years and that remain key to maximizing safety.
“Hyundais will continue to have physical buttons,” said Sang Yup Lee. “When we get to level 4 autonomous driving, then we will have everything with programmable keys, but until then, as I said, when it comes to driving, the safest thing is to have your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel«.
