Abstract The application of flexural joints in mechanisms has a number of advantages. Extreme repeatability of position is obtained because of the absence of backlash and friction. From a tribological point of view, no lubrication is needed and no wear exists. In many cases their application gives rise to a low cost assembly. Flexural elements have their particular drawbacks as well. Deflections are limited; only oscillating motions can be performed and work has to be done as a consequence of the elastic deflection. Flexural fatigue sets another limit to their application. The paper gives an overview of a design methodology that has been developed at the Philips Center for Industrial Technology by the author and his colleagues over the last several decades. Some aspects of this methodology are well known; other aspects are unique. The methodology is described in detail in a book by the author about design principles (Koster 1998). The methodology has been used to design hundreds of practical mechanisms incorporated in scientific instruments, manufacturing equipment and consumer goods. Many examples are given in (Koster 1998). Several interesting examples are given in this paper.