Automakers are shifting from conventional buttons and switches these days and transitioning to touchscreen infotainment systems.
Evidence has shown those touchscreens are far less safe and efficient than the traditional alternative, according to the findings of Swedish car magazine Vi Bilägare.
During the summer, the magazine conducted tests across 12 models of cars — eleven modern, along with one 2005 Volvo with physical controls — and allowed test drivers to get to know the ins and outs of the vehicles. In the tests, drivers were instructed to cruise down an empty airstrip at 68 miles per hour and were timed on the completion of four infotainment tasks, ranging from adjusting the AC to messing with the radio.
The Swedish magazine discovered that the 2005 Volvo was way better than the modern, infotainment screen-equipped cars, with a driver completing all four tasks in just ten seconds and 1,000 feet traveled.
The best time in modern cars was nearly 14 seconds. Majorly, infotainment-equipped vehicles took more than 20 seconds and at least 2,000 feet.
With 360-degree cameras to advanced GPS navigation, infotainment systems are super powerful. However, when the interfaces aren’t efficient to use, and they control functions like windshield wipers or climate controls, it starts to get a little ridiculous.
Traditional buttons, knobs, and switches have a tactility that enables drivers to intuitively find and adjust them while keeping their eyes on the road.