Climate controls - Capacitive Touch instead of Switches?

[khanmark]

I was thinking, while you can probably more easily memorize each of the climate control buttons by feel, wouldn't the design aesthetic make more sense to have a glass bank of touch controls instead? It would actually make the cockpit a little bit more "clean" and lose a bit of weight in the process since you don't need bulky switches. I'm not saying the current design is bad, just that there are benefits like less moving parts and weight saving associated with newer tech.

[John]

I do not know about comparative merits of capacitive system vs GM’s system, but know that GM’s system is so far superior to what many brands that have, you just to change fan speed, or just to change the inside temp, need one to enter a infotainment screen to then select progressive screens to finally get to your fan speed, etc.

In just minutes within the C8 interior, and it not being my priority, I had figured out all the buttons. I believe every one of us with have this figured out at the 100% level within the first week of car ownership — without needing to even glance their way. The bottom ones are of course for the passenger use and those of a big yawn for the driver — almost never needing them.

Also those who are concerned that the button/switch row is visually overwhelming, when you sit in the driver’s seat and drive, look at the IP in front of you, and similar, you do not but extremely peripherally even see that row.

[Klinn]

Does anyone know what the "sync" button is for? Something like synchronize the passenger side settings to match the driver's? Does the C7 have something similar?

[meyerweb]

Does anyone know what the "sync" button is for? Something like synchronize the passenger side settings to match the driver's? Does the C7 have something similar?

Yes, exactly. With sync on, the drivers settings control both sides of the car. With sync off, the passenger can control his or her side independently.

As for capacitive vs. physical buttons, give me buttons every time. The less time I have to spend with my eyes off the road, looking for the right spot to touch, the better.

[Frenzy36]

I was thinking, while you can probably more easily memorize each of the climate control buttons by feel, wouldn't the design aesthetic make more sense to have a glass bank of touch controls instead? It would actually make the cockpit a little bit more "clean" and lose a bit of weight in the process since you don't need bulky switches. I'm not saying the current design is bad, just that there are benefits like less moving parts and weight saving associated with newer tech.

This is a crazy subject as I have several GM Cadillacs with the capacitive screens and there was a huge outcry to bring back buttons and switches and knobs. I love the screens, however most don't at all. Biggest drawback is fingerprint glare on the screen so you have to wipe it down often. That is my only complaint. Also if you scratch the screen there will be issues with where you have to touch it or may have to touch that area a couple of times for it to react. I totally get why they put the switches and controller in as well. Makes everyone happy.

[Don Jorgenson]

I prefer the switches and buttons. At times the screens are hard to see with polarized sun glasses.

[John]

I do also. It is also much safer to execute a one button flick move rather than a series of one infotainment screen leading to another, to another, to finally get where one wants (whoops, I just took my eyes off so long I ran into the car in front of me).

Yet, maybe one can get to the same eventual places as the switches and buttons via the infotainment system???

[khanmark]

I do also. It is also much safer to execute a one button flick move rather than a series of one infotainment screen leading to another, to another, to finally get where one wants (whoops, I just took my eyes off so long I ran into the car in front of me).

Yet, maybe one can get to the same eventual places as the switches and buttons via the infotainment system???

I agree, I don't see infotainment navigation making sense due to the attention and focus required.

As an addition to my original thought exercise, this should have haptic feedback like the home button on the newer iphones. It senses your touch and emits a little vibration indicating a "click". You can still "feel" where each button is at. That way when the car is off, the bank of controls where it's currently in the c8 will simply be dark glass.