The digitalization process in the automotive world in recent years has led many manufacturers to completely eliminate physical controls and switches to touch screens. Mercedes-Benz management, however, is making a significant strategic change in this regard, aiming to prioritize user experience.

In a recent interview, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius made striking statements about the brand’s future plans. Stating that the company has begun to reintroduce physical buttons on the steering wheel in its new vehicles, Källenius shared the main motivation behind this decision.

User-Centric Design Approach

Ola Källenius acknowledged that sometimes boundaries are crossed in technology development processes and the real needs of customers are overlooked. Stating that changes made solely for the sake of technology are causing difficulties for users, the executive said that this would lead to more convenient physical buttons in vehicles.

Answering questions about the size of touchscreens, Källenius did not clearly state whether they had reached a peak in screen size. However, he emphasized that they were at the lowest level in terms of physical buttons and that they needed to change this.

Criticisms of Screen Designs

The German automotive giant was receiving significant criticism from car enthusiasts for the enormous screens it placed on the dashboard of its new generation vehicles. The difficulty of using touchscreens while driving, in particular, seems to have influenced the brand’s decision to reverse this approach.

The company continues to implement this new approach with its latest GLA model. These updates in design language aim to provide drivers with faster and more reliable access to in-vehicle functions.

A similar design ideology is expected to be adopted in other models to be introduced in the coming period. This strategic change by Mercedes-Benz also reflects the increasing opposition to touchscreens in the automotive world.

How do you think the return of physical buttons in cars will affect driving safety and comfort?