System and method for interpreting machine-learning results

One embodiment provides a system for facilitating visualization of input data classifications. The system obtains, from a remote computer system, output data which includes a classification and a score that a corresponding set of input data belongs to one or more classifications. The system computes an objective function based on the score and the input data, and computes a gradient of the objective function based on the input data. In response to determining that the computed gradient is not greater than a predetermined threshold, the system perturbs the input data in a direction of or opposite to the computed gradient, and transmits the perturbed input data to the remote computer system to obtain new output data. The system displays on a device a visualization of whether the input data belongs more or less strongly to a classification.