Touchscreens Are Out, and Tactile Controls Are Back: Here’s Why It Matters for Tech and Design

In an unexpected shift, tactile controls are making a strong comeback in everything from smartphones to home appliances to car dashboards. Apple’s recent addition of two new buttons to the iPhone 16, along with a renewed popularity of knobs on stoves and washing machines, signals a change in user preferences and industry design standards. Major car manufacturers are also moving away from touchscreen-heavy dashboards in favor of traditional buttons and dials, citing the benefits of simpler and more intuitive physical controls.

This trend, described by The Wall Street Journal as a "re-buttonisation," highlights the importance of understanding user experience and how design impacts our daily lives. It also underscores the need for expertise in the field, and experts like Rachel Plotnick are in high demand. Plotnick, an associate professor at Indiana University, has long studied the relationship between people and the seemingly mundane technologies around us—particularly buttons. Her 2018 book, Power Button: A History of Pleasure, Panic, and the Politics of Pushing, delves into the cultural and functional significance of buttons, showing how our interactions with them have shaped everything from machinery to modern devices.

Why the Shift Back to Buttons?

There’s a growing recognition that touchscreens, while sleek and modern, aren’t always the best interface for every context. In high-stakes situations, such as driving, a touchscreen requires the user’s full attention. Drivers have to look away from the road to navigate complex menu options—a significant safety concern. In contrast, physical controls allow users to develop muscle memory, so they can adjust settings without looking, creating a safer and more intuitive experience.

Furthermore, physical controls can enhance accessibility. Knobs and buttons are easier to use for individuals with limited dexterity, and they provide tactile feedback that touchscreens can’t match. This feedback can be crucial in settings where quick, accurate responses are needed. Appliances with knobs and cars with buttons give users a level of control that feels both immediate and satisfying.

What This Means for Product Design

For tech and design professionals, this shift emphasizes the importance of human-centered design. Rather than following trends for the sake of aesthetics, it’s essential to consider how users interact with products in real-world scenarios. The revival of tactile controls is a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean making things “smarter” or more digital. Sometimes, improving a product means making it simpler, more tangible, and more aligned with users’ natural behaviors.

As industries reconsider the balance between digital interfaces and physical controls, they’re also looking to experts like Plotnick to inform their approach. Her insights on the overlooked significance of buttons and tactile feedback reveal an interesting paradox: as our lives become more digital, our demand for tangible, responsive interfaces remains strong.

The Takeaway

The “re-buttonisation” of modern technology is more than a trend; it’s a shift toward mindful, practical design. For designers, engineers, and innovators, this movement highlights a crucial lesson: the best user experiences don’t always rely on the latest tech. Sometimes, they draw from the tried-and-true. And for end users, it’s a welcome reminder that technology should adapt to us—not the other way around.