My German-speaking readers will not need an explanation to understand the rather awkward translation in the Google Mail user interface that is shown below.

For all others: What Google calls "Flaky Connection Mode" in the English version of the user interface is called "unzuverlässiger Verbindungsmodus" in German - which translates to "unreliable connection mode". Since "unzuverlässiger" is not capitalized, it comes across as an adjective that merely describes the type of connection you are likely to receive via that option: an unreliable one. (The English version capitalizes the first letter in "Flaky" to show that the word is part of the name.)

Users might rightfully wonder why they should click on the link at the bottom in order to switch to a "unreliable connection mode".

In his talk at TED conference, Alan Siegel talks about simplicity in legal communications. But then, the kind of simplicity that he describes is desirable for a lot of areas of life and work.

"I define simplicity as a means to achieving clarity, transparency and empathy - building humanity into communications."

Of course, these thoughts resonate with UX professionals. Our job, ultimately, is about humans. And this does not only include the users of the interfaces we are designing, but also all the people we are cooperating with in this endeavor. So, we should not only be "building humanity" into communications with users, but also strive for that goal when communicating with clients and other stakeholders - also to allow them to have empathy for users.

Therefore, when creating deliverables (whether the final user interface or the intermediate deliverables that get us there), we should have this concept of simplicity in mind in order to optimally support the respective communication partners. And we should also keep in mind that simplicity is not the same as (over-)simplification. To say it with Einstein: "Things should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler."