Sonos CMF Guidelines

Global Standards & Implementation Framework

CMF Lead — Cross-Category / 2021-25

A unified CMF foundation across the Sonos product portfolio.

The Sonos CMF Guidelines are a living document—a cross-category framework defining materials, colors, and finishes that ensure brand consistency while adapting to new products and technologies. Serving as both reference and evolving toolkit, it bridges design intent and implementation, supporting teams across multiple product lines and generations.

Context

Goal

Develop a dynamic, flexible resource that balances coherence with adaptability, enabling teams to make informed CMF decisions while supporting new form factors, materials, and emerging technologies.

Logo approach defined within the CMF system

Recommended logo application ensuring consistency across products.

Approach

  • Material hierarchy: Defines priority and application across metals, plastics, and textiles, updated continuously as new materials are introduced.

  • Finish language: Specifies textures, gloss levels, and tactile qualities, refined as products and processes evolve.

Color mesh earcup studies informing final palette selection and product execution.

  • Color strategy: A restrained palette with primary and secondary options that maintains brand coherence while accommodating new expressions.

  • Documentation & tooling: Visual specifications, sample applications, and guidance for cross-functional teams, continuously refined to reflect real-world use.

White color chip studies supporting a PCR-friendly color transition for core light SKUs

  • > Product Marking

  • Visual contrast plan

  • Laser marking application

  • > Product Logos

  • Logo trials

  • 3D Logo application

  • > Surface Strategy

  • Color + material execution

Outcome

  • Accelerated decision-making with clear, actionable CMF guidance.

  • Preserved brand identity across generations and product categories.

  • Enabled evolution of products without compromising quality or clarity.

  • Supported teams with a living resource that evolves alongside products and technology.

(left)
Product outline with callouts: Product outline with CMF callouts defining material, finish, and surface strategy.

(right)
Portfolio surface strategy: Portfolio surface strategy expressed through unified black CMF and controlled light interaction.

(bottom)
Manufacturing process: Manufacturing process — speaker bottom cap assembly ensuring material and finish quality.

Reflection

Product review session capturing collaborative evaluation of CMF decisions.

CMF guidelines are never finished—they evolve alongside products, informing decisions and ensuring the brand’s visual and tactile coherence across every generation.