Buttons are back and storage is king when it comes to car interiors

Buttons are coming back

Car interior design follows trends, like home design. Some trends, like getting rid of physical switches and using only software, did not work well. A Nissan design manager says the complaints from drivers are now pushing the industry back toward real buttons.

Why the switchless trend started

For a time, designers and engineers wanted to remove most physical switches. They planned to move controls into software. The idea was that this would save money and make the car feel like a phone. The cars looked clean and modern in the showroom.

Why drivers complained

Cars are used on busy roads, not just in showrooms. Changing the temperature or seat position on a screen can take the driver's eyes off the road. Modern cars also have many systems, and each car company uses different menus. This makes controls hard to learn and use.

What to watch

• Whether more new cars add physical buttons and switches
• Whether car makers agree on simpler, more common menu designs
• Whether screen-based controls become easier to use while driving