Tech exploded this year. There’s little to argue that gadgets and gizmos, social media and apps all had huge years as everyday life moved a step closer to becoming completely tech-driven for many in western society. What can we expect to see growing as the next big thing in 2012?

That’s the question that our friends at GPlus took on in the infographic below. From group buying to crowdfunding, the trends of 2011 showed winners and losers in the tech industry for what they really were. 2012 should show no less of a boom. If anything, the explosions will be even louder.

Click to enlarge.