Which style of onboarding involves providing contextual hints during use?

The style of onboarding that involves providing contextual hints during use is aptly described by the term "Contextual Hints." This approach focuses on delivering relevant information or assistance to users precisely at the moment they need it, enhancing their understanding and experience as they navigate through the application or system.

Contextual hints are designed to pop up in the context of the user's actions, offering guidance that is immediate and relevant. This method allows for a seamless experience, as it does not disrupt the user's flow but rather supplements their actions with helpful suggestions or clarifications. By providing hints that relate directly to the user's current context, this onboarding style fosters a more intuitive understanding of the platform or feature they are engaging with.

In contrast, an interactive walkthrough typically involves a guided step-by-step process that can be more structured and might take users through a set sequence rather than offering hints based on their immediate actions. Simple instructions tend to provide basic guidance without the contextual nuances that enhance user experience, while a guided tour generally covers broader aspects of an application and may lack the specificity of real-time cues that contextual hints deliver. Thus, the focus on situational relevance makes "Contextual Hints" the most accurate choice for this style of onboarding.