Updating the Definition of Digital Urban Interface in the City Transformation Context

The primary objective of this research is to formulate a contemporary and formal definition of the Digital Urban Interface (DUI) within the context of digital transformation and smart city paradigms. This study addresses the current lack of definitional precision in scientific literature regarding these interfaces as they evolve from traditional mechanical precursors to complex digital mediators. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The search strategy encompassed eight major electronic databases, initially identifying 68,293 records published between 2018 and 2023. A rigorous multi-stage screening process was employed to filter unrelated content, eventually leading to a detailed analysis of relevant papers to extract the core functional attributes of public digital interfaces. The review confirmed that no formal, updated definition of the DUI exists in recent literature despite its proliferation. Consequently, this study synthesizes a new definition grounded in eleven distinct dimensions: public use, efficiency, human-centered design, inclusive design, cognitive load, social context, culture/internationalization, urban integration, smart city enablement, omnichannel strategies, and sustainability. The proposed framework provides a robust theoretical and practical foundation for urban planners and designers to optimize citizen engagement. By integrating these dimensions, stakeholders can systematically anticipate technical and ethical challenges, facilitating the successful transition of urban environments into inclusive digital ecosystems.