Enabling chance interaction through instant messaging

Free and easy to install, instant messaging is a great vessel for chance interaction. Isaacs et al (2002) of AT&T discussed the concept of enabling chance interaction through mobile instant messaging. Although their research involved heavy use of prototypes that are not yet widely available, it can help us realize ways of enabling chance interaction today. This article provides a theoretical understanding of the benefits of chance interaction, followed by a description of the Hubbub instant messaging system, custom built to enable such interactions.