IMHO the physical controls invoke muscle memory and haptic feedback which enables driver to keep attention on the road. Touchscreen does not give this to same/any degree. I should not have to take eyes, or attention, off the road for longer than it takes my hand to find the right control. Physical controls current significant advantage over digital is "no interpretation required" - feel or microsecond glance tells you the state. Digital, other than big dials and flashing colors, needs you to think. Those thoughts take focus away from the act of driving.
Im summary i think Honda is right - digital controls for things with no time and attention pressure (like music channel), and physical for those that need near immediate action (like defogging a window or wipers).
FTR been driving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles for nearly 50 years - 2 accidents, no hospital trips, and that includes plenty of 'hooning about' well into danger-zone for conditions/environment (wont say more or might get a visit from authorities :-p )
I've been driving for 40 years. I totally agree with you. Old school controls you can operate reflexively. Often with barely any conscious thought. Your brain adapts to treat the car an an extension of your body.
Im summary i think Honda is right - digital controls for things with no time and attention pressure (like music channel), and physical for those that need near immediate action (like defogging a window or wipers).
FTR been driving cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles for nearly 50 years - 2 accidents, no hospital trips, and that includes plenty of 'hooning about' well into danger-zone for conditions/environment (wont say more or might get a visit from authorities :-p )