Warcraft III (and DotA) has this system already but i think it is missing the most important part of it - Timing! In one of the recent updates Icefrog included a visual timer on Dazzle's Shallow Grave. I think this is great as the extra information allows players to do more advanced moves when they can precily used timing. I played WoW for a atleast 4 years, i understand that DotA is a different type of game but the lack of timers (both for buffs and debuffs) really limits player's actions because it makes timing very relaltive and i want to maximize the potential of spells (especially when using chain stuns, or other types of disables).
This is an exmaple of how the system can be improved:
How about a timer on top of Enigma's head when she/he/it is channeling Black Hole? The same type of timer for Rhasta's fire lasso, batrider's ulti and it would help if there are timers for all channeling spells. Same goes for stuns or any kind of disable.
I think that you already said (showing AoE for spells) will be very helpful for new players. I won't mind it, but i think i know the area of effect of most spells by now

as it is easy to learn . Valve will definitely include AoE of spells for the sake of helping beginners, and i'm not sure if they will include (more) timers. I think there it should be implemented as optional, meaning that you can turn it on or off (because some users might find the screen over-crowded).