Structural shape optimization offers engineers with numerous advantages in designing shapes of structures. However, excessive relocation of nodes often cause distortion of elements and eventually result in degrade of accuracy and even halts of processes. To overcome these problems, an effective method, Selective Element Method(SEM), has been developed. This paper describes the basic concept of SEM and processes to implement into real-world problem. 2-D and 3-D shape optimization problems have been chosen to show the performance of the method. Though some limitations have been found, it was concluded that SEM can be useful in general shape optimization and even in some special cases such as decision of optimal weld line location.