They didn't solve our problem, but they did solve several manufacturing & engineering ones. Touchscreens & microcontrollers are versatile & dirt cheap. It is easier to order a batch of them from China than to CAD, fab, & install a variety of bespoke knobs, sliders, & gauges. I hate it, but it is what it is.
I really like my Mazda... I control the screen with a few buttons accessible with my hand while using the arm rest...