A non-light-emitting, variable transmission device can include a first substrate, a first transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second transparent conductive layer, a second substrate; and an interlayer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The non-light-emitting, variable transmission device is configured such that a failure of the non-light-emitting, variable transmission device is less likely than another non-light-emitting, variable transmission device in which the interlayer directly contacts the second transparent conductive layer and has a moisture content of at least 0.08 wt %. In an embodiment, the interlayer has a moisture content of at most 0.05 wt %. In another embodiment, the non-light emitting, variable transmission device further includes a barrier layer disposed between the second transparent conductive layer and the interlayer, wherein the barrier layer extends at least partly through the second transparent conductive layer or seals off a passageway.