The use of touchscreens in cars is currently one of the biggest controversies in the automotive industry, as manufacturers push for larger touchscreens… Users are not as convinced about the advantages that touchscreens offer, but are more convinced about the disadvantages.
The biggest of these inconveniences so far is that features that were once accessible with a simple button press required using the touchscreen. It is not only a usability issue but also a safety issue as basic functions require the use of a touch screen, leading to many distractions and the possibility of accidents.
Google, along with other tech giants, has so far attempted to incorporate technology that locks the touchscreen while driving. Sometimes voice controls try to solve this practical problem, but… who is behind the next radical change in dashboard design?
Euro NCAP defends itself against touchscreens
For now, automakers will have to tone down their futuristic designs – at least partially if they want their cars to have good safety ratings. Euro NCAP, the largest safety assessment program in Europe, requires car manufacturers to install physical controls in the driving area.
To explain this decision, Matthew Avery, Director of Strategic Development at Euro NCAP, highlighted the problem of overuse of touchscreens; He reiterates that virtually all car manufacturers have moved basic controls to the central touchscreens in the dashboard. It often forces drivers to take their eyes off the road and increases the risk of an accident.
But that doesn’t mean that Euro NCAP will permanently ban touchscreens in cars. However, in the final safety assessment, preference will be given to cars that have physical controls, to be precise… The organization will start with the most basic functions, such as indicators, wipers, emergency lights, horn, SOS button…
Will touchscreens be gone for good?
Functions such as the radio or air conditioning remain hidden on the touchscreens for the time being, as they are not considered important safety/control devices. However, this may change in the future as Euro NCAP has opened the possibility of preferring the physical controls over touchscreens.
The majority of manufacturers are unlikely to be affected by this on their current models, with the exception of some brands that will have to return to physical controls. Another possibility is that some future models will require further modifications to incorporate physical controls. Therefore, this change is aimed at changing the market trend rather than changing the models currently on sale.
We must make it clear that Euro NCAP is not an international governmental organization and is therefore not able to pass laws banning the installation of touchscreens in cars. Manufacturers can safely ignore this change without legal repercussions, but… their safety marks could be affected by it, so for now it is very likely that the majority of manufacturers will adopt this change to maintain their 5-star safety rating.
Published in New and remarkable