Lilian Hallak

Research Summary

My research interests lie at the intersection of visual communication design and educational methodologies, particularly within the context of Bahrain’s dynamic digital landscape. I am currently investigating the role of visual participation in online learning environments, underscored by my award-winning research on its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, I am addressing the challenges encountered by instructors in remote teaching settings through comprehensive surveys and qualitative analyses.

My work further extends to sustainability in design, specifically examining the recycling potential of materials such as flexi banners. I am also engaged in projects that leverage emerging technologies to transform cultural landmarks, such as Bahrain Fort, into interactive tourist destinations. Recently, my research has expanded to include Augmenting Urban Narratives: Utilizing Augmented Reality to Enrich Visitor Experiences and Cultural Understanding in Smart Cities. Furthermore, I am exploring the influence of social media on the growth of creative industries in Bahrain’s orange economy, with the aim of delivering actionable insights for stakeholders in this sector.

Key Publications

  • Utilising visual communication design as a strategic tool in Bahrain. Cambridge Academic Design Management Conference, Cambridge University/ UK, 2013.

 

  • Received the Award for The Best Research Paper at The American University Conference. The implications of the lack of visual participation in online classes on the learning experience of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of two Bahraini universities. American University of Bahrain, 2021.

 

  • The Faceless Learners, the Perplexed Instructors, and the Dilemma of Webcams: A Survey of Instructors at two Bahraini Universities. The Southeast Asian Conference of Education (SEAC2023) Official Conference Proceedings, 2023.

 

  • Sustainability and Innovation in Design: A Study of Flexi Banners and Their Recycling Potential in Bahrain. Sustain Bahrain Conference, International Conference on Sustainability & Innovation Future & Impact on Society. American University of Bahrain June 2025.

 

  • Emerging Technologies and Applications: Transforming Bahrain Fort into an Interactive Tourist Destination. American University of Bahrain Research Day February 2025.

 

  • The Impact of Social Media on the Growth of Creative Industries in Bahrain’s Orange Economy. ICBE 2025 Conference, The Third International Conference on Business and Economics. College of Economics and Political Science, Sultan Qaboos University, 2025.

Awards

  • Received the Award for The Best Research Paper at The American University Conference.

    The implications of the lack of visual participation in online classes on the learning experience of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of two Bahraini universities. American University of Bahrain, 2021.

Editorial roles

Reviewing activities: International Journal of Serious Games 2025/2026