Hit the new year running with Looking Glass 2025

There’s no shortage of groundbreaking ideas in tech. And no shortage of trend reports claiming to cut through the noise. Here’s why Thoughtworks Looking Glass is different. It isn’t about the latest buzzword or some fleeting fads. We know that the impact of any given technology — no matter how paradigm shifting — depends on your business context. So rather than just alerting you to ‘the next big thing’, Looking Glass helps you understand the technologies shaping the future and how you can prepare.

In this edition of the Looking Glass, we explored over 90 tech trends through five distinct perspectives or lenses. These lenses are key industry themes designed to help you explore technology’s impact. They are: 

1. Operationalizing AI for business impact

"The lessons from automation endeavors in the ‘80s could help to build the right level of human-AI agent handovers. We must focus on augmenting humans rather than trying to substitute their current tasks completely." - Srinivasan Raguraman , Technical Principal, Thoughtworks

As AI proliferates, it’s more evident that successfully operationalizing AI models and bringing them to production remains a challenge. From questionable output to unintended consequences, there are a host of real and projected scenarios that prevent organizations from leveraging AI to its full potential. Explore more https://ter.li/8zwvhu 

2. Strengthening the data value chain

"An open and evolving data and AI platform allows organizations to embrace uncertainty in rhythm with changing demands, fostering a culture of continuous learning." Nimisha Asthagiri , Technical Principal and Data Mesh Leader, Thoughtworks

Developing the capabilities to leverage data at speed and scale, and become truly data-driven, has — in the AI age  — become an emerging priority. Treating data as a product represents one of the most effective means to achieve this goal, and the best way to build and distribute data products is through data platforms. Teams need to think differently about how data is managed and processed. Discover this lens https://ter.li/gdskkm 

3. Reimagining responsible tech for the era of generative AI

"Responsible technology isn’t a checklist — it’s a mindset. In the age of generative AI, embedding ethics at the core of innovation isn’t just about avoiding risks; it’s about building trust, anticipating change and leading with purpose in a fast-changing world." Ken Mugrage Principal Technologist, Thoughtworks

It’s fair to say that while the ideas around responsible tech are still maturing, it’s an area that’s seen renewed interest in the light of generative AI and a public awakening over the potential dangers associated. We’re also seeing a wider recognition that responsible tech isn’t something you bolt on to existing activities and projects: it’s something that needs to be embedded in organizational values, team practices and cultures. Keep reading more https://ter.li/98v738 

4. Enabling richer experiences through multimodal interactions

"Human computer interaction is becoming more diverse than ever, which means organizations — in a huge range of industries — have the opportunity to create exceptionally rich experiences for everyone from their customers to their own employees. However, what is critical is ensuring experiences are always context specific, so thinking about what mode is most relevant when is vital." Chloe Blanchard , Principal Design Researcher, Thoughtworks

It’s long been apparent that the mouse and keyboard aren’t the only way to interact with digital systems. Human-computer interaction is diversifying at breakneck speed. And that creates opportunities to deliver exceptionally rich experiences for everyone from your customers to your employees. What’s critical is ensuring experiences are always context specific, so thinking about what mode is most relevant when is vital. Explore signals to watch and actionable insights: https://ter.li/s070e6 

5. Unlocking greater value from physical-digital convergence

"It's important we're thoughtful about when, where, and how we use technology — be it a new product, feature, leveraging GenAI or introducing IoT. More and more I'm seeing users and legislators holding businesses accountable, especially when it comes to the collection, use and management of data, something which is at the core of the convergence of the physical and digital." Mackenzie Dysart , Delivery Principal, Thoughtworks

After the relative indifference that met Apple’s launch of its Vision Pro headset, don’t be surprised to see a few raised eyebrows at the notion of physical-digital convergence. But while it’s easy to be skeptical about this, to dismiss it is to ignore the near-ubiquity of things like internet-enabled doorbells, digital menus or ride pooling services. These might not seem earth shattering, but they point to how easily consumers can adapt to the convergence of physical and virtual services and products. We see more companies learning those lessons. Discover the opportunities: https://ter.li/4egllr 

We hope you enjoyed this special edition of Tech to know. Don't forget to subscribe for more, click here.