Operating device for a shift by wire assembly in an automobile comprising a touch sensitive display for selecting selectable operation modes of an automatic and/or automatized transmission of the automobile and having an essentially flat surface, wherein the surface of the touch sensitive display comprises a recess and in that a start position program of the operating device is configured to issue instructions to the touch sensitive display to display a shift pattern when contact with the touch sensitive display is detected at the location of the recess for a predetermined period of time, wherein a start position of the shift pattern is located at the location of the recess.