Ferrari reveals why touchscreens are invading cars and how it’s changing for you

The CEO of Ferrari has opened another debate in the car industry to confirm that the main reason for the explosion of touchscreens in cars was not the user experience, but economic horror. This data is changing the form in which the digital internal transition must be read and has a direct impact on what drivers buy and use today.

In a recent interview with a specialist outlet, Benedetto Vigna explained that migration has tactical systems that correspond to all financial calculations. Although Tesla was not solely responsible for popularizing the idea – the Model S showed the possibilities – massive adoption accelerated when the price of electronic components was sufficient to offset the cost of integration.

According to Vign, touch modules are significantly cheaper than traditional physical panels and controls: simply put, they represent half the cost. This economic margin benefits component manufacturers and testers, but not necessarily ergonomics or ease of use for drivers.

What does this mean for users?

The impact is not just discursive. The preference for trousers has caused some brands to rethink their strategy and others intend to differentiate themselves by reviving buttons and beads.

Volkswagen, for example, has publicly acknowledged that its failure to use touch interfaces in popular models was a mistake and plans to restore physical controls in future updates. For its part, Ferrari uses the combination of traditional panels and handles as a signal of identity: the restoration of mechanical elements is part of its value proposition for customers hoping for an “authentic” experience behind the wheel.

At the same time, the trend is not homogeneous. While some premium brands are turning to switches, they are also alluring for fully digital interiors: BMW recently introduced a model with a large central panel without physical buttons, looking for a more futuristic and minimalist look.

Middle term: hybrid design

Ferrari’s all-new electric base, the Light, illustrates this middle position. The vehicle includes a panel compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it is integrated into the console, which houses more touch buttons and mechanics for basic functions, as well as an independent analog clock.

This emphasis follows clear goals: to preserve the ease of use of critical controls such as climate control, and to offer a perceptible experience as safe and direct as that offered by deep touch menus.

• Safety and ergonomics: physical buttons allow you to activate functions without taking your eyes off the road; A tactile menu can increase your cognitive load.
• Cost and maintenance: Panels simplify design and reduce initial costs, but are usually more expensive to repair or replace than a traditional shipment.
• Updates and Obsolescence: Software can be improved through OTA updates, but touch-sensitive hardware can suffer from failures other than mechanical components.
• Brand Position: premium manufacturers use physical controls as a sign of authenticity; others are looking for complete modernity with digital interiors.
• Maintenance schedule: Panel testers and electronic modules were hot due to cost reductions in the series.

In practice, it asks buyers who are faced with more complex decisions: do they prefer a clean and up-to-date interface, or do they prefer direct and tested controls? The response will depend on the segment, the use and what each driver values ​​in the face of modernity.

As the industry seeks balance, it must monitor factors that could tip the balance: official studies on distraction behind the wheel and regulations that regulate the availability of vehicle controls. Now the panorama coexists: panels for information and physical components for the essentials, a formula that promises to be standard in many future launches.

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