A method can be used to control the operation of one or more non-light-emitting, variable transmission devices. In an embodiment, a method of operating a plurality of non-light-emitting, variable transmission devices can include receiving requests for requested visible transmittance for the non-light-emitting, variable transmission devices; determining operating parameters for the non-light-emitting, variable transmission devices; and operating the non-light-emitting, variable transmission devices at the operating parameters, wherein the operating parameters for the non-light-emitting, variable transmission devices are different. In another aspect, the method can include operating the non-light-emitting, variable transmission device at a first operating parameter for a time period, wherein the operating parameter corresponds to an intermediate visible transmittance; generating a characterization parameter based at least part on the voltage and current measurements that are obtained during the time period; and controlling the non-light-emitting, variable transmission device period based at least in part on the characterization parameter.