The future of car interior design may be changing as car manufacturers shift towards touch screen technology and eliminate physical buttons. The Tesla Model S is a prime example of this trend, with only 6 physical buttons and the rest of the controls being operated through a large touch screen on the dashboard. However, the reliance on touch screens has raised concerns about safety while driving.
Euro NCAP, the body that assesses car safety in Europe, is pushing for the inclusion of more physical controls in cars to keep drivers’ attention on the road. Starting in 2026, the Euro NCAP rating system will incentivize manufacturers to have intuitive and easy-to-use vehicle controls, such as windshield wipers, warning lights, and turn signals. The importance of physical controls in cars may increase in the future in the name of safety.
Some automakers do not currently offer physical controls for frequently used functions, and future cars with touch screen-only provision could be penalized with a lower safety score under the new Euro NCAP guidelines. The use of touch screens in cars has raised concerns about distracting drivers and potentially making the driving environment more dangerous.
As authorities crack down on mobile phone use while driving, the debate around touch screen technology in cars continues to grow. Critics argue that touch screens demand too much attention from drivers and can be complicated to use while driving. The move towards more physical controls in cars may signal a shift towards safer driving practices.