alt Hacker NewsNo, really, think about it. A touch screen is literally one component plus a computer you need anyways. Buttons need scaffolding, they need to be wired, etc. If you are designing a new car today, figuring out where all those buttons go for each model is a chore, it makes production more complicated, it requires more logistics vs just a touch screen.
Flush handles have to do with creating a recess in the body for normal handles. It’s just easier to cut a hole.
I’m guessing you aren’t willing to consider that the car companies are just being thrifty rather than extravagant, but ya, it’s a win win for them if they can save on costs at the same time as being seen as fancy.
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AlotOfReading • today at 8:09 AM
I work in the industry, I'm well aware. It's an eternal thorn in my side.
Not true, and BOM cost isn't the only consideration in manufacturing costs. As I've said in many previous HN threads, the big win for touchscreens is actually on the project scheduling side. That's neither here nor there because my original comment was about the centrally mounted, massive touchscreen a la Tesla as opposed to a smaller, integrated touchscreen. Not buttons vs. touchscreen.
That part of a door is manufactured with a series of presses. Whether it's one hole or 16 doesn't make much difference because they're cut all at once.