Typical technology trend reports will identify what they think demand your attention. Looking Glass is different: it’s designed to help you use your attention more effectively. It does this by offering you a way of looking at trends, a way of analyzing and interpreting emerging technologies so you can make informed decisions for your organization.

Making those decisions has arguably never been more challenging. Today’s rapid pace of technological change can make it difficult to form a clear view on what’s ahead and where you're likely to see the most value for your investments. While the shockwaves caused by significant technologies like ChatGPT will undeniably shape what the future looks like, the past certainly shouldn’t be read as a manual for what’s next. That’s why we publish Looking Glass.

In this 2024 edition, we’ve identified over 100 trends through five lenses that we see as defining the future of technology in business. Some of these trends are already shaping the way organizations operate, while others are somewhere on the horizon, attracting attention and conversation but firmly rooted in the future. As a business leader, it's critical to take a high-level view on the key trends shaping the world's businesses and technologies — regardless of the trends happening now or further in the future. Looking Glass is a tool for doing just that — and the lenses on which it is built offer precisely this all-important high-level view. Ultimately, it ensures your organization is adaptable, resilient and well-primed to weather or leverage the technology changes that are an inevitable part of modern life. 

Rachel Laycock, Chief Technology Officer, Thoughtworks