Public spaces are essential for fostering social interaction and promoting well-being among urban residents, yet the rapid advancement of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and social media is reshaping their function and perception. This study addresses the gap in the literature regarding systematic approaches to designing smart public spaces, offering a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of 300 developed smart public space cases. It provides an overview of current development trends, identifying spatial carriers, technological integration, and the roles of diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the research explores how smart technologies contribute to transforming traditional public spaces, identifying twelve enabling directions that enhance accessibility, adaptability, and user experience. By bridging empirical evidence with theoretical discourse, the study proposes practical design strategies and outlines future research directions, aiming to establish a systematic framework for the future development of smart public spaces that ensures inclusivity, sustainability, and responsiveness in an increasingly digital urban landscape.