I worked on Dockside last year (https://hachipoo.com/dockside-app) — a small macOS app that makes use of the unused space around the Dock (especially nice on widescreens). It’s non-intrusive and lets you drag & drop files, jot quick notes, or add shortcuts right beside the Dock so they’re always handy without cluttering the desktop.
Right now I’m adding few of the most requested user-requested features (vertical Dock support etc.) and working on refining it for Tahoe release.
I completely agree with this.
I never understood how this became the new normal and mostly acceptable in the new generation vehicles (especially the EVs) in the name of progressive/futuristic design.
I hope the automobile manufacturers take a note of this, and bring back some of it that’s worked for decades. I believe few German manufacturers like the Mercedes-Benz to have a sense of this, hope they don’t get along with this trend too.