Buttons are making a comeback.
Apple added two new buttons to the iPhone 16. Knobs are returning to stoves and washing machines. Car dashboards are reintroducing physical controls. “Re-buttonization” is gaining momentum.
Why? Because buttons do what touchscreens can’t.
A button doesn’t require your full attention. You can feel it, push it, and know it works—without looking. This is particularly relevant in cars, where touchscreens demand visual focus.
But it’s not just about function.
The tactile nature of buttons can be used to suggest a world of associations and thoughts about a product. A well-designed button, like the gear shifter in a BMW, tells a story. It communicates quality, care, and craftsmanship. It’s the handshake of the product.
Not all screens are bad. We seem to be finding the right balance - adaptive touchscreens paired with a few, solid, well-placed buttons. Together, they combine the versatility of digital with the tactile confidence of analog.