The optimum design parameters of several hydraulic systems are obtained using the complex method that is one kind of constrained direct search method. First, the parameters of lead-lag controller of the direct drive servovalve is designed using the complex method to satisfy the steady-state error requirement. Second, the optimum locating point of hydraulic cylinder Is determined to minimize the cylinder force in the operation range of rotational sluice gate. For the third application case, the optimum piston area of hydraulic cylinder is determined to minimize the man power to elevate the manually operated sluice gate.