Unnur Valdís Kristjánsdóttir: Innovator Behind the Floating Cap Therapy
Unnur Valdís Kristjánsdóttir recalls a pivotal moment that led to the creation of her innovative product, the Floating Cap. On a stormy day, she found herself alone in a swimming pool. “I was at a point where I needed to solve a big issue, and after swimming, I floated on my back. When I allowed myself to let go, the solution came,” she reminisces. The Floating Cap therapy was later nominated for the Icelandic Design Awards in 2020. Kolbrún Vaka Helgadóttir discussed this journey with Unnur Valdís on the Víðsjá program on Rás 1.
Water as a Medium for Connection
In 2010, while in her second year at the Iceland Academy of the Arts, Unnur experienced a moment of inspiration. “The idea came fully formed,” she explains. The Floating Cap was initially intended as a fun accessory for the swimming bag, launched in 2011. It was designed to provide effortless support in water, promoting deep relaxation. However, Unnur observed a reluctance to adopt the unusual headgear alone, prompting her to explore a broader cultural design project.
Unnur’s vision evolved into creating a “floating culture” – a community experience. “The idea was to bring people together in water,” she says. “I delved into our bathing culture, which is fundamentally about nourishing togetherness in water.” In Iceland, communal enjoyment of water is deeply ingrained, making floating a perfect medium for connection.
The Challenge of Recognizing the Obvious
Unnur explains that developing the floating culture involved forming group activities, known as ‘samflot’, where people float together in public pools. “We’ve been creative in finding ways to come together in water,” she comments. The project transcended product design, becoming a cultural experience. “It’s interesting how sometimes the most obvious things, right in front of us, are the hardest to see and appreciate,” she reflects. Water, she believes, shapes Icelandic identity and character, with year-round swimming in hot water playing a vital role in this.
A Community-Based Success Story
The reception to the Floating Cap and the community floats exceeded Unnur’s expectations. “I can’t describe how grateful I was when the first public ‘samflot’ was advertised at the Seltjarnarnes pool, and three people showed up,” she shares. “I wanted to hug them all for supporting my vision of community building.” The enthusiastic response and active participation have been heartening. “This project wouldn’t exist without the involvement of others. It’s not just about me; it’s about the community that contributes and shapes it,” she emphasizes.
Unnur’s interview with Víðsjá on Rás 1 highlights the importance of community and cultural engagement in the success of innovative ideas. Her story is a testament to how simple concepts can evolve into significant cultural phenomena, driven by shared experiences and collective involvement.