Telstra introduced a Speed Test feature in the My Telstra app to give users a clear snapshot of their network performance, complete with real-time results and helpful tips. The feature intelligently directed users to troubleshooting flows based on test results, reducing pressure on customer support. Designed with accessibility in mind, the experience included animated feedback, screen reader announcements, and haptic cues to support a wide range of users.
Telstra aimed to provide users with a quick and intuitive way to check their internet speed and signal strength within the My Telstra app. The goal was not only to visualise performance but also to guide users into the correct troubleshooting flows based on real-time test results—ultimately reducing pressure on customer support.
For users, the goal was to demystify network diagnostics through an engaging, easy-to-understand visual tool. By offering tailored advice based on results, the Speed Test helped users better understand their connectivity and solve issues independently.
As the UI designer on this feature, I focused on making a utility tool feel intelligent, responsive, and accessible—while collaborating closely with developers to align data with design. Here’s how the project unfolded:
We wanted the Speed Test to feel like more than a basic utility—something dynamic and useful. I designed a detailed breakdown of results and contextual tips to help users understand what their numbers meant. The user flow then seamlessly transitioned into troubleshooting steps, depending on the outcome.
To visualise the speed result, I designed a custom dial animation in After Effects, exported as a Lottie file. The stroke of the dial progressed from 0% to 100% over 450 frames with no easing. Developers mapped real-time API speed data to the dial using a custom formula.
Interestingly, the scale wasn’t linear—e.g., 5mbps represented 50% of the dial’s progress. To test the mapping, I created an Excel model with custom values, which matched the live data output perfectly—a satisfying validation of the animation logic.
Given the animated nature of the dial, accessibility compliance required creative thinking. We layered scalable text over the Lottie animation to ensure legibility.
However, screen reader users found the live updating speed values confusing, as the dial rapidly cycled through fluctuating numbers. To resolve this, we introduced clear audio cues: one announcement when the test began, and another when results stabilised. We also added haptic feedback on completion to enhance comprehension.
The final solution was an accessible, visually rich speed test that engaged users and improved self-service outcomes. It aligned technical precision with a human-centred experience—successfully reducing customer service load while empowering users with clearer insights into their connectivity.