China is set to introduce new vehicle regulations requiring all new cars to include physical controls for essential functions, such as turn signals, windshield wipers, and emergency systems, starting July 1, 2027. These rules, announced by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, aim to ensure drivers can access critical features without relying on touch-screen menus, which can be a source of distraction. The required controls will include items like hazard lights, horns, gear selection, windshield defrosting, electric windows, emergency call functions, and a power-off switch for electric vehicles. This regulation challenges the design trend popularized by companies like Tesla, which has emphasized minimalist interiors with large central touch screens for managing nearly all vehicle functions. In recent years, many Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers have followed this approach. However, concerns about driver distraction and the reliability of touch screens have led to a global reconsideration of this design philosophy. In 2024, the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) urged the return of physical buttons for basic functions, planning to implement new safety evaluations by 2026. Similar concerns have prompted some automakers worldwide to reintroduce physical controls in response to user feedback and research. The new Chinese regulations seek to balance the advantages of digital interfaces with the need for usability and accessibility. While touch screens allow for flexible software and fewer physical components, they often require visual attention, which can be problematic during driving. Physical controls, in contrast, can be accessed by touch alone, potentially improving safety in emergency situations. The rules emphasize the size, placement, and tactile feedback of controls to ensure they are easy to use, especially in stressful driving conditions. These regulations may reshape the design of dashboards, steering wheels, and central consoles in China, where the electric vehicle market is highly competitive. Manufacturers may need to rethink their current designs and add physical switches, which could increase development and production costs for companies that have heavily focused on touch-screen interiors. However, the rules could also lead to a more balanced design approach, combining large infotainment screens with physical controls for frequently used functions, preserving software flexibility while improving access to essential features. As Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers expand beyond their domestic market, the adoption of physical controls could influence car design globally. Automakers worldwide may reassess their strategies regarding touch screens, adapting to changing safety standards and consumer preferences. This shift could mark a broader movement toward safer, more intuitive vehicle interfaces that prioritize driver focus and accessibility.