Hyundai Discovers That People Prefer Buttons over Touchscreens

Hyundai's Research on User Preferences

In an unconventional move, Hyundai has bucked the trend of touchscreens and embraced traditional switchgear. Recent studies conducted by the automaker revealed that people have a strong preference for physical buttons when accessing frequently used functions. This finding challenges the prevailing notion that touchscreens are the future of automotive interfaces.

Insights from Hyundai Design North America Studio

The Hyundai Design North America studio in California provided additional insights into Hyundai's research. Ha Hak-soo, Vice President of HDNA, admitted that Hyundai was initially captivated by Tesla's all-in-one touchscreen interface. However, after conducting focus groups, the company discovered that people found touchscreens to be stress-inducing and inconvenient. Users expressed frustration when trying to control essential functions in a pinch.

The Advantages of Physical Controls

Hyundai recognized that physical knobs and buttons offer unique advantages in terms of usability and safety. Unlike touchscreens that require visual engagement and can be distracting, physical controls allow drivers to rely on muscle memory, enabling them to keep their eyes on the road. Although Hyundai is not opposed to touchscreens entirely, the research suggests that a combination of touchscreens and physical controls is the optimal solution.

The Hazards of All-Touchscreen Interfaces

Large, all-touchscreen interfaces raise concerns about driver safety. Sang Yup Lee, Head of Hyundai Global Design, pointed out the difficulty of controlling touchscreens while driving. Hard keys, on the other hand, provide a tangible and intuitive way for users to operate vehicle functions.

Financial Considerations

While automakers may not publicly admit it, the elimination of physical buttons and knobs is often a cost-saving measure. Using a single screen across multiple car models can streamline production and reduce expenses. However, going to extremes like Tesla, which integrated the gear shifter into the touchscreen, may not be the best approach.

Source: Korea JoongAng Daily