The link to the Audi examples is dead, but you can find an archived version at https://web.archive.org/web/20211126012727/https://deeptread...

I don't like this design all that much. It makes sense, but it is too spaced out for me.

I love the design I have in my current car - Renault Laguna 3. The HVAC control panel is between air vents and on the top it has three buttons: Soft, Auto and Fast. I like how it uses words with no negative connotations (it could be Slow and Hard). Soft is for it to be quiet, Auto is the most common setting for me and Fast is self-explanatory, though also recommended if you have passengers on the backseat. Then there is the current temperature (and other HVAC settings) display and finally very comfortable and big up/down rocker switches to change the temperature with a 0.5°C resolution. I usually do not change the temperature much. A knob seems to invite changes for people who do not understand a concept of a thermostat.

Then there is AC off, closed circulation, fan speed and air distribution buttons. Right below this are buttons for quick defogging (I don't know how to call it) and the back window heating. Buttons that do not change the state shown on the LCD display have their little LEDs to signify their state.

You can see it in action here: https://youtu.be/oNHvtI_8A5w?t=12

This is a lovely example of great design. Beautiful, too. I'm sad to see it didn't catch on.

On a related note, I would like to own an EV -- but a touchscreen operated car is out of the question. Where did all those competent designers go and why didn't they design an electric car?

Oh good catch, I'll update it in the article.