[theoh]

Here are some thoughts based on my experience with graphic design (not so much web design.)

First, you might find it interesting to look into Shape Grammars. While shape grammars are a dead end from a creative design point of view, they can capture layout strategies that work but can be varied parametrically. One crucial area that the theme you posted falls down on is balancing negative space around images and panels. Using a shape grammar which constructed the layout with border elements, centered elements, etc. could fix this.

Another thought is to consider the fact that letterpress printing is often taught to design students before computer tools, because it enforces a great degree of discipline in laying out elements. Students move on from that to design with a grid system. The theme "abdvbjtx" on the resimit front page as I look at it is missing a sense of alignment and grid structure, although it is impressively complex in terms of layering. The typographic and rational side of things needs work, basically to bring visual order to all the elements. I think some kind of generative grammar is probably the only practical way to achieve this.

As far as typeface choice goes, that seems to be a weak point but it is such a complex and emotional thing that I doubt it can be automated beyond specifying serif fonts for old-style centered layouts and sans serif for more modern, left-aligned layouts.