In the 2010s, the automotive industry ventured into touch control interfaces, with pioneers like Tesla, Mercedes Benz, and Nissan leading the charge. However, with the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) revising its vehicle safety assessment standards, automakers are beginning to reconsider and even reduce touch control interface applications.
According to a report by Nikkei, the upsides of using touch controls in automotive human-machine interfaces include a sense of advancement in design aesthetics, cost savings on buttons or knobs, the ability to set more complex functions, and more. The downsides include the lack of tactile feedback and the risk of drivers taking their eyes off the road while using the interface.
Golf, a popular model for German automaker Volkswagen, is a notable example. In its 2019 model, Golf changed its human-machine interface, replacing the central infotainment system and more than 10 buttons on the steering wheel with touch controls. However, due to customer complaints about accidental touches, the 2024 model reverted to physical buttons on the steering wheel, providing tactile feedback and reducing the chance of touching by mistake.
As for car air conditioning, Honda introduced touch controls in 2013 but has since switched back to knobs. The reason given is that customers found it difficult to adjust to their preferred settings. Also, to frequently change temperature and airflow, they need to look at the touch screen constantly, which poses a risk of taking their eyes off the road.
Euro NCAP has hinted that starting in 2026, some button-based human-machine interfaces will be considered an item that can enhance safety, forcing automakers to rethink their human-machine interface designs.
