For years, automakers have replaced physical controls with touchscreens, electronic buttons and hidden components in the name of design, aerodynamics and technology.

Door handles may be where that philosophy finally gets tested.

China has launched a massive recall involving electronic door handles and plans to ban hidden handles beginning in 2027. U.S. and European regulators are also evaluating requirements for reliable manual releases when vehicle power is lost.

This raises a broader product question.

Customers probably do not care whether a door handle, climate-control knob or glovebox release looks futuristic if it becomes confusing during an emergency—or simply frustrating during everyday use.

Has the industry reached the point where “high tech” is sometimes making vehicles worse?

Should certain controls always remain physical and mechanically operable regardless of what designers and software teams prefer?