The Inverse Finite Element Method (IFEM) for degenerate solid shells is introduced. IFEM allows determining
the undeformed shape of a body (in this case, a shell-like body) such that it attains a desired shape
after large elastic deformations. The model is based on the degenerate solid approach, which enables the
use of the standard constitutive laws of Solid Mechanics. First, IFEM is applied to three popular
benchmarks for validation purposes. Then, the capabilities of IFEM for inverse design are demonstrated
by means of its application to the design of a microvalve.