It seems some OEMs have gotten out of touch with customer desires but now the pendulum maybe swinging back: physical buttons are making a comeback. Automakers like Volkswagen and Hyundai are dialing back touchscreen overload in favor of more tactile, intuitive controls—and for good reason.
In this recent Design News article, industry leaders explain how driver distraction, safety concerns and customer frustration are driving this shift. Euro NCAP’s upcoming 2026 standards will even require physical buttons for key functions to earn a five-star safety rating. It’s about time.
At Altia, this feels like a confirmation of what we’ve believed all along: the best HMI blends physical, digital and voice control to keep drivers focused, informed and in control. It’s not about old versus new—it’s about delivering seamless, human-centered design.
As the industry recalibrates, we’re excited to help OEMs strike the right balance between technology and usability. Because good design doesn’t just look good—it feels right.