This work evaluated the performance of designed AAm/AAc copolymers with tailor-made properties in polymer flooding applications for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Displacement tests using unconsolidated sand-packs with simulated real reservoir conditions were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the designed copolymers during the displacement of heavy oil having a viscosity of 1192 cP. Experimental results demonstrated the superior mobility control functionality of the AAm/AAc copolymers compared to a commercially available EOR polyacrylamide copolymer. Likewise, higher incremental heavy oil recovery was obtained under the same experimental conditions by the AAm/AAc copolymers. This work identified the best performing copolymers and, more significantly, emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach in designing appropriate copolymers for EOR polymer flooding applications. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.