I suppose the main idea that I came away with from the readings is that these rules about alignment, proximity, repetition and contrast essentially strive for optimal functionality. As a 'non-designer' myself, I felt that these rules were clarified in purpose: there can be a lot of information on a Web page - and a lot of options for access - so one must make navigating through all of that information as straightforward and simple as possible. But those attributes aren't necessarily mutually exclusive of schmancy design either; and it's not that form should "follow" function - the writers make the case that form and function are intrinsically, inextricably linked on Web pages. Just as it's easier to recognize and define flaws we see in, say, the videography of TV news bits, it's becoming easier to figure out why certain Web pages come off as jarring or otherwise confusing. We don't want to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of options we crave, and this dilemma can be solved through practical design.