Trend of reverting to buttons in technology, spearheaded by Apple

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Leading technology and automotive manufacturers are moving away from touch screens and reintroducing physical buttons in their products. Although touch screens have been a prevalent feature in devices for many years, some of the largest tech firms are reverting to more traditional designs. The shift to touch screens was often viewed as an adaptation to contemporary technological trends. However, experts suggest that the adoption of touch screens was primarily driven by cost considerations rather than functionality. While touch screens offer a range of applications, they are prone to malfunctions, particularly in environments like induction stoves that rely on touch controls. Furthermore, the transition to touch screen designs has contributed to the sleek aesthetics associated with modern gadgets, such as those from Apple. This design philosophy has introduced its own challenges; even when physical buttons are included, they tend to be designed to be as flat and inconspicuous as possible. Consequently, these buttons, while cheaper to manufacture, often fail to register presses effectively or can become easily stuck.

This transition was motivated not solely by issues of malfunction but also by significant safety considerations. While touch screens offer a range of functionalities in vehicles, they demand considerably more focus from drivers compared to traditional buttons and knobs. Manufacturers like Tesla have embraced a fully touch screen interface, where all vehicle controls are managed through the screen. A surge in customer feedback has prompted automotive companies to reevaluate their design strategies. The European New Car Assessment Program has stated that to achieve the prestigious five-star safety rating, vehicles must include physical buttons. Matthew Avery, the director of strategic development, remarked to The Verge that the excessive reliance on touchscreens presents a widespread challenge within the industry, as nearly all automakers are shifting essential controls to central touchscreens, which forces drivers to divert their attention from the road and increases the likelihood of distraction-related accidents.

Many automotive manufacturers, including Volkswagen, are reintroducing physical controls for features like climate management due to consumer dissatisfaction with touch interfaces. In a 2022 New York Times article, Jay Capsian Kang expressed frustration over vehicles that compromise safety and driving experience while being marketed as innovative. BMW is also developing physical controls for MINI models to help drivers operate features without distraction, including a scroll wheel on the steering wheel and voice-activated controls. Similarly, Apple has embraced traditional features, launching the iPhone 16 with a new ‘action’ button and a touch bar for camera functions. In 2021, Apple reinstated physical function keys on the MacBook Pro, highlighting the importance of tactile feedback for professional users.