Operability of Smart Spaces in Urban Environments: A Systematic Review on Enhancing Functionality and User Experience

Abstract

This literature review highlights the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the proliferation of connected devices as the driving force behind the adoption of smart spaces. This review also discusses the various applications of smart spaces, including smart homes, smart cities, and smart healthcare: (1) Background: the aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of smart spaces, including their key features, technologies, and applications in built environments and urban areas; (2) Methods: The study adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on secondary sources, such as academic journals, reports, and online sources; (3) Results: The findings suggest that smart spaces have the potential to transform the way people interact with their environment and each other. They could improve efficiency, safety, and quality of life. However, there are also concerns about privacy and security in relation to the collection and use of personal data; (4) Conclusions: The study concludes that smart spaces have significant theoretical and practical implications for various fields, including architecture, urban planning, and healthcare. The theoretical implications include the need for new models and frameworks to understand the complex relationships between technology, space, and society. The practical implications involve the development of new standards and regulations to ensure the responsible and ethical use of smart spaces.

A Review on Mitigating Privacy Risks in IoT-Enabled Smart Homes

“…This research gap addresses the importance of understanding how users perceive and respond to security prompts and alerts in smart home settings. Human factors such as risk perception, cognitive biases, and usability preferences significantly influence users' security-related decisions and behaviours [57]. By conducting empirical studies and psychological experiments, researchers can gain insights into the underlying cognitive processes guiding users' security choices.…”

Would the Convergence of Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information Technology and Cognitive Science Be a Springboard for Transhumanism and Posthumanism?

“…Developing countries like Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa have already embraced NBIC technologies by using drones to deliver on time blood products, vaccines and emergency medical equipment (Amukele, 2022;Griffith et al, 2023;McCall, 2019;Nisingizwe et al, 2022); by developing electronic algorithms for clinical decision support and digital platforms for ambulatory pediatric patients (Tan et al, 2023) and by instituting online training for the development of health professionals (Byungura et al, 2022;Bälter et al, 2022). Digital technologies have already demonstrated their effectiveness in responding to the internal challenges of large African cities, by improving the quality of public services through the digitization of "cadastres" (land registries), the real-time management of public transport; by increasing the security of sites and people through video surveillance; by promoting the provision of new services to users within the framework of e-governance, which saves time and reduces the burden on public services (Ndaguba et al, 2023;Ogbodo et al, 2022).…”