Volvo to reintroduce physical buttons to address driver distraction

Volvo has announced it will reintroduce physical buttons in its upcoming vehicle lineup, reversing a previous trend of radical minimalism that moved most controls to touchscreen submenus. Thomas Ingenlath, who has returned to lead Volvo's design, admitted that the removal of traditional controls caused significant user dissatisfaction and raised concerns regarding driver distraction.

The new design philosophy aims to balance technology with tactile precision, focusing on high-quality materials and distinct sensory feedback rather than returning to cluttered dashboards. This shift is part of a broader plan to launch 13 new global models by the end of the decade.

The move follows broader industry criticism regarding digital interfaces. Analysis from Dekra and comments from Latin NCAP suggest that touch-only interfaces, such as those used for climate control, increase driver distraction by requiring more visual attention. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding software-dependent systems and electronic components, such as retractable door handles, which can pose safety risks during electrical failures.