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A comment on Volkswagen reintroducing physical controls for vital functions. Parent comment

Re:Volkswagen reintroducing physical controls for vital func... by peeters on Sunday March 09, 2025 @04:05AM (#43307148)
> to this pursuit for better "design"

Quotes appropriate, because I don't believe this is about safety, usability, or even aesthetics. It's about reducing the number of parts on the vehicle, i.e. lowering cost. It's car manufacturers deliberately making driving less safe to save a few bucks.

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Re:Volkswagen reintroducing physical controls for vital func... by yalok on Sunday March 09, 2025 @04:39AM (#43307330)
No quotes, just my observation - that the buttons are more optimized for the good look (symmetrical, sleek) vs usable. Building a plastic molding form with some shape/tactile difference shouldn't be significantly more expensive.

Re Touch screen, I agree - that's pure cost cutting. But that's just crazy. I'm surprised regulators are not preventing it.

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Re:Volkswagen reintroducing physical controls for vital func... by hulitu on Sunday March 09, 2025 @05:44AM (#43307651)
> I'm surprised regulators are not preventing it.

Regulators are, from a long time, paid by car manufacturers.

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Re:Volkswagen reintroducing physical controls for vital func... by globular-toast on Sunday March 09, 2025 @04:47AM (#43307375)
Thank you. I think lots of people assume touch controls are for design, or to be cool, or maybe just "modern". It's just cheaper, though. That's why you see them on all generic Chinese made electronics (even stuff that could have no electronic component at all, like a fan).
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