Study Reveals Touchscreens in Cars Slow Drivers Down Fourfold Compared to Physical Buttons

The Swedish automotive magazine Vi Bilägare conducted a study comparing the time it takes for drivers to perform basic tasks, such as adjusting climate control or changing radio stations, using touchscreens versus traditional physical buttons. The findings revealed that when using touchscreens, drivers spent four times longer completing these tasks.

The research evaluated 12 vehicles, including new models equipped with touchscreen interfaces and one older model featuring regular buttons. Even after drivers had time to familiarize themselves with each system, the touchscreens demonstrated significantly poorer performance.

The authors of the study emphasize that the constant distraction caused by touchscreens while driving worsens road safety. They argue that car manufacturers prioritize cost savings and technological aesthetics over safety and usability.

Physical buttons, switches, and knobs require expensive tooling, custom wiring, and mechanical design. A single touchscreen replaces numerous components, creating a façade of advanced sophistication. Consequently, adjusting the air conditioning or changing the radio station now demands as much focused attention as texting.

A 2019 study from the University of Utah indicated that drivers using touchscreens had a 30% slower reaction time to road hazards, a significantly higher cognitive load, and were more frequently and for longer periods distracted from the road.

This issue stems from proprioception—the ability of the body to sense its position in space. Physical controls facilitate muscle memory, enabling drivers to locate and operate buttons without looking at them. However, this is not possible with touchscreens, and even tactile feedback does not mitigate the issue. A 2022 study found that tactile systems do not enhance safety compared to standard touchscreens.

Automakers have largely overlooked these findings while continuing to promote new interface technologies.

Research from Drexel University introduced a system named [Distract-R], which uses cognitive modeling to simulate driver interactions with vehicle interfaces. It found that multi-step tasks on touchscreens increase cognitive load, distracting drivers more than physical buttons.

Studies presented at the International Conference on Machine and Industrial Design proposed a Dynamic Human-Computer Interface System (DHCIS) that simplifies touchscreen interaction. Their conclusions indicate that layered menus and deep navigation structures, common in modern touchscreens, distract drivers more than single-function tactile controls.

Moreover, there is an ongoing issue with the reliability of the software for these interfaces. A 2023 JD Power study revealed that infotainment systems are currently the most problematic category, plagued by frozen screens, delayed responses, and confusing menus that frustrate users.

In addition, touchscreens present car manufacturers with limitless opportunities to monetize basic functions.

Some automakers are making concessions. For instance, Mazda, after conducting its own touchscreen study, decided to eliminate touch controls while driving and reintroduced a physical control knob. Companies like Analog Automotive are developing physical control panels that integrate with popular infotainment systems, restoring tactile operation.

Voice commands represent another potential alternative. The latest GM systems allow users to make requests in natural language, such as asking the system to «make it warmer» or «defrost the windshield.»

Drivers of vehicles equipped with infotainment systems have repeatedly reported bugs. In 2022, some Mazda owners claimed they were unable to switch radio stations for weeks due to a malfunction. They also found it difficult to use the system for making calls while driving, utilizing navigation, and operating cameras.

In 2020, following an update to the infotainment system in Tesla electric vehicles, the company offered owners the chance to regain radio access for $500.