A computing device determines a matrix reasoning assessment (MRA) to assess fluid intelligence of a user operating a client computer/device. The MRA includes a matrix having designs in design spaces, where the designs form one or more patterns. The matrix has one or more design spaces in the matrix that are missing a design. Examples of a design include, without limitation, a number, a letter, a symbol. a shape, a picture, an image, a photograph, an icon, an animation, a video, audio, or any other symbol, character, or representation that can be used in a pattern. In one embodiment, the computing device transmits the matrix to the client device. The user responds with a design for the “empty” design space (i.e., the design space previously missing a design) and the computing device receives this design selection.