The project explored how 3D models from ETH Zürich’s entomological and earth science collections can be effectively used for research, education and outreach, focusing on user needs, tools, metadata, standards and best practices rather than developing complete software solutions. Through conferences, lectures, collection visits and interviews, 27 users were consulted and grouped into three main categories: scientists/taxonomists, scientific data providers, and education/outreach experts. Based on their needs, tailored concepts were developed, addressing model quality and usability for scientists, technical and legal aspects for data providers, and annotation, narrative enrichment and simplification for educational applications. Prototypes for all concepts were developed and implemented in close collaboration with users, successfully addressing identified barriers to using 3D data. Improved models were shown in an exhibition with over 31,000 visitors, of which 110 participated in an extensive survey evaluating newly the usability of the models. All developed applications and code were documented and made available through GitHub, while websites, tools, workflows and training resources were created to support reuse and further development. The project strengthened international and national collaboration through engagement with TDWG, GBIF and SwissNatColl and further collaborations. Its results provide a foundation for FAIR and open 3D data practices and have already enabled follow-up projects, including the Mayer-Eymar 3D project and an ETH FAIR Competence project.