Volkswagen is making a significant shift in its automotive interior design strategy, confirming the reintroduction of physical buttons in its upcoming vehicles. This move directly addresses widespread consumer feedback and an internal acknowledgment that the previous pivot to predominantly touchscreen-based controls was a misstep. The first vehicle to showcase this change is the new ID. Polo, a budget EV, signaling a broader commitment across the brand to enhance user experience by blending modern technology with tactile controls.
For years, the automotive industry has leaned heavily into large infotainment screens, often replacing traditional knobs and switches with digital interfaces. However, this trend has frequently led to driver frustration, as operating complex touchscreens while driving can be distracting and less intuitive than physical controls. Volkswagen’s decision reflects a growing understanding that while digital interfaces offer sleek aesthetics, they sometimes compromise safety and practicality for the driver.
What are the benefits of physical car buttons? The answer is that physical car buttons provide immediate tactile feedback, allowing drivers to adjust functions like volume or climate control without diverting their eyes from the road, significantly enhancing safety and reducing cognitive load.
Andreas Mindt, Volkswagen’s design chief, has been remarkably candid about the company’s past errors. He explicitly stated, “We will never, ever make this mistake any more. On the steering wheel, we will have physical buttons. No guessing any more. There’s feedback, it’s real, and people love this. Honestly, it’s a car. It’s not a phone: it’s a car.” This powerful statement underscores a renewed focus on driver-centric design and the importance of haptic feedback in a driving environment.
The reintroduction of these essential Volkswagen physical buttons will include controls for the five most critical functions: volume, individual heating controls for each side, fan speed, and the hazard warning lights. These will be conveniently located in a strip below the main infotainment screen, making them easily accessible and distinguishable without needing to look away from the road.
This strategic pivot is not a complete abandonment of digital screens. Instead, it represents a more balanced approach to car interior design, integrating intuitive operating environments with newly structured screens alongside the return of physical controls. The goal is to create a harmonious blend that offers both modern aesthetics and superior usability.
The ID. Polo, sometimes referred to as the ID. 2all, is at the forefront of this new interior architecture. Kai Grünitz, the board member for technical development, emphasized that this new design direction will start with the ID. Polo and extend to future models. This consistency ensures that drivers can expect a more user-friendly interface across the Volkswagen lineup.
Interestingly, while Volkswagen addresses the button issue, the company continues to experiment with steering wheel designs. The new ID. Polo features a non-circular steering wheel, a departure from traditional designs. While not as extreme as some other manufacturers’ yoke-style wheels, it signals a continued exploration of form factors, even as the brand commits to more conventional controls elsewhere.
This development from Volkswagen could influence broader car interior design trends. As more automakers seek to differentiate themselves and respond to consumer preferences, the emphasis on practical, safe, and intuitive controls, including the return of physical buttons, may become a defining characteristic of future vehicle interiors.
Ultimately, Volkswagen’s decision to bring back physical buttons is a triumph for driver safety and user experience. It demonstrates a willingness to listen to feedback and adapt, ensuring that the act of driving remains focused and enjoyable, rather than a battle with overly complex digital interfaces. The future of Volkswagen physical buttons looks promising for enhancing driver control and satisfaction.
