A novel spectroscopic in situ light scattering technique was used with in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study electrode surfaces subjected to adsorption and electrodeposition. Tin dioxide and tungsten trioxide were used as electrodes in a 1 M LiClO4/propylene carbonate electrolyte. Both in situ methods showed the same increase in surface roughness immediately after the electrode was immersed in the electrolyte. The onset potential for electrodeposition could be determined; its specific value depended on the film composition as well as on the composition and purity of the electrolyte. A potential step technique revealed a progressive growth of the first electrodeposited layer. The growth mode after fully developed electrodeposition was characterized by a preferential growth of large crystals, evident from light scattering as well as AFM. Our experimental techniques make it possible to determine whether electrodeposition or electrochromism, due to electrochemical insertion of ionic species, dominates the observed modulation of the optical properties. The deposited layer was investigated using infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Although the composition of this layer cannot be stated conclusively, it most likely contains lithium alkyl carbonate species.