Abstract: The traditional optimized algorithms in machine optimization design are demonstrated．A modern optimized design method-election-survey algorithm is introduced with its theory and characteristics．The results of applying the traditional and the election-survey algorithms are obtained，based on the optimum design of the box-shaped cover board and a two-bar truss structure．And then the optimal solutions and the characteristics of the two algorithms aye compared．The results show that the election-survey algorithm is an effective method for mechanic optimum design．