The most common way of controlling volume on radios, both now and in the past, is through a dial. But why? In old volume controls, pressure was put along a strip of fairly resistant material (originally something like carbon or charcoal) and as the resistance lessened, the frequency and volume would increase. Because of this, volume was controlled either with a slider or a dial. Nowadays this is still used, with two end points to control a minimum and maximum sound, and a wiper to run along a resistant wire. Buttons control sound the same way, but wouldn't follow until later.
From my own experience, I prefer to use a dial as it is faster and easier than continually pressing a button. When asking around this week, I found that the majority of people prefer a dial, for a number of reasons:
1) it makes sense: literally turning the sound up or down
2) more tactile
3) seems easier to control
4) it seems more 'old school' or 'vintage'
5) easier and faster to use
6) looks neater
7) closer interaction with the radio
The one vote i did get for the button was on a steering wheel - it had an ease of access and simplicity that the dial on the dashboard didn't, not to mention a dial on a steering would be both awkward and impractical.
The pictures I have included show an example of an older radio and a more recent one, each with volume dials.
Holly Squirrell
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