[jslabovitz]

I highly doubt there's much genuine 'design' being done on these kinds of UIs, and certainly there's no value in trying to universally coordinate UI choices (minus, perhaps, the global '1/0' symbol for ON/OFF). I reckon the values being followed are instead that of cost-savings, both in materials (fewer switches make it cheaper), and in developer/engineer time. Just make it work, more or less; the dishwasher/TV/etc. is just going to be replaced in a few years anyway. It doesn't matter, and most people don't (unfortunately) care.

I generally refuse to buy devices that work this way. Granted, that strongly limits my choices in the market. But in the end, I'm much happier.

It takes effect to find appliances that don't have crazy UI (or bright blue LEDs!), but instead have discrete and direct control -- but they do exist. For appliances, I've found that units sold to elder/senior citizens are designed better: they often have real buttons/knobs, much simpler functions, and a high degree of safety built in.