This work presents a new approach to designing high-performance and efficient pumps based on dielectric elastomer actuators. By considering the entire system including load from the beginning of the design process, the advantages of dielectric elastomers are specifically utilized to minimize the required space while optimizing performance within that compact volume. The process is model-based, ensuring that every aspect, from individual components to the complete system, is carefully optimized for efficiency and power. This approach represents an important step in the use of dielectric elastomer actuators for real-world applications, as the pump is more powerful over a wide working range compared to the state of the art and can therefore be used in applications where conventional pumps are still commonly employed.