Yes, I'd agree 100 % with Christine et al. - if I were sure the author's from the field. Convincing, say, for a Bauhaus artist, i.e. combining 'fine' and 'applied art' activities. If we're talking Freie Kunst/fine art only, then I suspect 'making objects' is closer to the intention ('object' as a genre) and the orig. 'Gestaltung' used in a loose sense.
Even for a versatile artist turning to 'craft objects' (Picasso? - ceramics) it wouldn't be 'design' categorically in the sense of a template outside fine-art production. Then again, a multiple is also a matter of design. Sorry to be hither-thither.