When thinking about how people are missing the knobs in cars, I'm left wondering if focus groups and market research is still relevant in todays world or maybe the market research groups misunderstood what the consumer meant when they heard people say, they wanted to get rid of "nobs in cars"?

Volvo and Saab went to great efforts in the 80's to ensure the controls on their cars were suitable, so volvo had buttons that were big enough and tactile enough for people wearing winter gloves so that a gloved finger didnt accidentally push a neighbouring button and they werent left with any doubt about the button being on or off.

Couldnt do that today with some cars, which is perhaps why UK police are fining people for wearing big winter coats and clothing in their cars, the police feel the car heating systems are better than someone's home so they dont need to be dressed for a hike through a winter snow scene when driving to the shops.