B2 – Upper Intermediate
The popularity of touch screens in modern devices is beginning to change, as both manufacturers and users start to appreciate physical buttons again. Touch screens offer sleek designs and flexible features, but they can also be frustrating with accidental taps, no physical feedback, and difficulty using them without looking.
Because of this, there’s a rising interest in bringing back physical buttons, particularly in cars, smartphones, and other devices where accuracy and ease of use are important. This shift aims to combine the convenience of new technology with the comfort and reliability of buttons.
Watch the video to learn more about this hot “button” issue and be able to answer the questions below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the word “toggle” mean? “You have an array of toggles at the bottom as well as customizable buttons on the steering wheel.” Use this word in a sentence.
- What does “tactile feedback” mean? “With the push to bring back buttons, manufacturers aim to offer the best of both worlds—combining the tactile feedback of physical controls with the modern functionality of touchscreens.” Use this term in a sentence.
- What does “into high gear” mean? “With the demand for tactile feedback growing, the push to bring back buttons has shifted into high gear.” Give one (1) synonym or similar expression and use ‘into high gear’ in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think physical buttons offer a better user experience than touch screens? Why or why not?
- How important is tactile feedback to you when using devices like smartphones or car controls?
- Do you believe that the return of physical buttons is just a temporary trend, or is it here to stay? Explain.
- In what types of devices do you think physical buttons would be most beneficial, and why?
- How might a shift back to physical buttons impact the design and functionality of future technology?