In an era where touchscreens dominate car interiors, Hyundai is taking a classic approach: old-school buttons. New research from Hyundai suggests that many drivers still prefer physical controls for commonly used functions—a surprising revelation for some, but perhaps not so much for drivers tired of scrolling through screens.
At Hyundai North America's design studio in California, Korea JoongAng Daily discovered the details behind Hyundai's choice to keep physical controls. Ha Hak-soo, vice president of Hyundai Design North America, explained that the brand initially admired Tesla's bold move to go entirely digital. However, feedback showed that putting everything on one screen wasn't as user-friendly as it seemed.
“We realized that people get stressed, annoyed and frustrated when they want to control something quickly but have to navigate through a screen,” Ha Hak-soo said, highlighting the frustration drivers feel when using commands based on touch screens in moments of high pressure on the road.
Hyundai's commitment to physical buttons is more than just a nostalgia trip. It is based on the practical benefits of “muscle memory”, allowing drivers to quickly locate buttons and controls without taking their eyes off the road. Studies show that oversized screens can be distracting, and Hyundai's head of global design, Sang Yup Lee, agrees: “When you're driving, it's hard to control it [l’écran tactile]. With physical touches it is easier to feel and perceive. »
The brand's decision also contrasts with that of Tesla, which integrated almost all functions into its screen and even eliminated physical shifters, integrating them into the screen—a feature that received mixed reactions.
Hyundai's research confirms that drivers want accessible, tactile controls, a sentiment that would likely resonate globally. While touchscreens remain valuable for some functions, a hybrid approach with strategically placed physical buttons could be the key to keeping drivers happy—and safe.
